Rest vs. Deep Rest 

In a society that thrives on productivity, hustle, and a constant “go, go, go” mentality, it can be easy to slip into a cycle of chronic stress and fatigue. 

Typically, when we begin to feel this, we veer towards taking a few “rest” days to unwind and reset. Once we come back, however, we may find ourselves right back where we started.

So, how can we optimize these rest days and make the most of our recovery?

The secret lies in not just rest, but “deep rest.”

The difference? Rest is defined as a general relaxation that provides temporary relief from stress, while deep rest is highly restorative and allows for a deeper recovery. 

With rest, typically, you are relaxing your body while still stimulating and/or distracting your mind. Some examples may include lounging on the couch/in bed watching a movie, show, or scrolling on your phone. 

Deep rest, on the other hand, involves putting your nervous system in a deeply parasympathetic state, thus allowing your heart rate and cortisol levels to drop. Some examples may include meditation, guided visualizations, and unplugging from all outside stimulation. This leads to healing on a cellular level and will allow you to feel refreshed when you return to daily activities. 

So, next time you find yourself on the threshold of burnout, consider setting aside a few hours, days, or perhaps longer to tap into deep rest practices and get you feeling back to your normal self!

Stephanie Spoto, CSCS, PAS