The Benefits of Rest and Why It Shouldn’t Be “Earned”

In today’s busy world, it can be tough to let ourselves rest because we often feel like we should always be doing something. The pressure to be constantly productive can make it hard to feel okay with taking a break. For those with disordered eating, it can be even harder, as you might feel like you haven’t done enough to deserve rest. But taking time to rest—both mentally and physically—is so important for everyone, especially for those in recovery.

We often associate rest and relaxation with being lazy or unmotivated, but in reality, rest is just as important as eating, building relationships, and staying active. Just like your eating disorder may try to convince you that eating that cookie will ruin your progress, it might also tell you that you don’t deserve rest or that it’s a waste of time. The truth is, when we don’t rest, it can lead to irritability, crankiness, and even health problems.

Many of us think of rest as just sleeping, but they’re not the same thing. Resting means taking a break from activity to relax, recharge, and regain energy. While good quality sleep is crucial for your mental, physical, and emotional health, it’s just as important to balance it with periods of rest throughout the day.

You may be wondering what does rest looks like. And the answer is it looks different for everyone. For some, it might be watching a favorite movie or show, for others, it could be enjoying a massage or taking a short walk. It might even be as simple as closing your eyes for a few minutes to breathe, or spending time in prayer—whatever helps you disconnect from your tasks and worries and allows you to unwind and recharge.

Resting is a powerful form of self-care because it shows that you’re prioritizing your well-being and listening to your body’s needs. It’s also an act of trust—trusting that your body deserves time to recover and knowing that rest is essential for healing, both physically and emotionally. When you allow yourself to rest, you’re not only giving yourself the care you deserve but also acknowledging that rest is a key part of staying healthy, balanced, and strong.

During recovery, we may hear thoughts like, “I haven’t done enough today to deserve a break,” or “If I rest, I’ll lose progress or gain weight.” These kinds of thoughts can make us feel like we need to push through and skip rest, even though our bodies actually need it to heal, recover, and stay balanced.