October Word: 2025
Our word this month is rest!
Today, I want to talk about the power of resting! Taking a deep breath is so important. Pausing is so important. Why do you think people go on vacation? Why do people take days off? Well, after such a long break from writing, I want to tell you guys all about the wonderful workings of rest!
When you work hard, it’s a common human response to rest. But sometimes, people ignore this response. Sometimes people overdo it. Sometimes, people need to rest. I want to tell you about the science of rest.
The Rogers Behavioral Health website says rest can be simple. As simple as sitting quietly, as sleeping well or taking small naps, spending time in nature, meditating and more. But what are the actual benefits from resting?
The Rogers Behavioral Health site explains. ‘We can complete what we need to do when we’re not tired or feeling like we’re dragging. We’re also not avoiding things because we don’t have the energy to do them.’ When we rest, we can grow strength. Rest gives our bodies time and energy to carry out key functions, like: breaking down food into simpler parts through digestion, using building blocks from food to repair cells and restock energy supplies, getting rid of waste products that build up during activity, ands storing memories from the day (during sleep).’
‘Rest helps repair our bodies after we’ve been physically active. With rest, our muscles repair themselves, becoming stronger. Our bodies are like a machine. Just like a car needs to stop for refueling and maintenance, rest helps our bodies and minds run well.’ Rest not only helps for active bodies, but active hearts and emotions. The Rogers Behavioral Health website states; ‘Quality rest makes it easier to handle your emotions and think clearly. We’re less likely to have big swings in how we feel or lash out if we’re rested. A rested brain is more likely to function better.’
How can we know if we’re getting enough rest?
‘It can be difficult to make time for regular rest. Working long hours, taking care of others, and doing too many activities are common reasons for not resting. Some people struggle to put their needs first and say no to others. For some, the biggest obstacle is being distracted by electronic devices.’ I like to see what is distracting me. Sometimes, I’m distracted from rest by chores or something I need to work on. Or I can be distracted by people, or messes. Distractions differ from person to person. ‘Whatever the reasons, lack of rest directly impacts mental health.’
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.—Mark Black
Here are the listed five ways to get rest:
Start the day by taking a hurkle-durkle.
‘Hurkle-durkle is a Scottish word from the 1800s, and it means choosing to spend extra time in bed after waking to give your mind and body rest before you start your day. Some people get up, hit the alarm, hop in the shower, and their day begins. Before they know it, they’re exhausted. A hurkle-durkle invites us to start the day by putting energy into our own well-being. This could look like wrapping in a cozy blanket, reading a favorite book, or just allowing time to daydream. Starting the day with this form of self-care creates a positive mindset because your mind and body will be in balance as the day begins.’
I absolutely love this! I didn’t even know this had a name! I do this almost every morning! I think, ponder on dreams, grab a book! It’s a lovely little way to wake up!
Take a mid-day break
‘It may sound obvious, but too many people work a full day without stopping to breathe. There are many nourishing ways to use this time. Enjoy a meal mindfully, by using the five senses to fully experience your food, or eat in the company of friends. Be alone in a quiet space without interruption or noise. Put technology aside. Go for a walk in nature for a change of scenery, or even just step outside for a breath of fresh air for a few minutes. Listening to music or a podcast is another good option for a quick mid-day escape. You could also try meditation.’I love these ideas so much! And I hope to practice these more!
Create healthy boundaries
‘Setting boundaries is key to making time for rest as part of your daily routine. Set your limits and stick to them, even if means saying no. Turn down an invitation to meet over lunch. Protect the time you need for your well-being.’Setting boundaries is really important! Earlier, this article talked about how being people pleasing can stop you from relaxing. Don’t let it stop you!
Create a calming space for rest in your home
‘Use sights, smells, and sounds to create a relaxing environment. Smells can have a powerful effect on the way we feel. The scents of lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood may increase feelings of relaxation. Use a candle, diffuser, or incense to fill your home with one of these smells. Make the space feel like a tropical paradise with plants. Having plants in your home may reduce stress and improve mood. Set the atmosphere with the right tunes. Slow music can boost relaxation.’My Mom fills our house with plants or at the very least faux greenery! And it’s so fresh! Seeing plants or even the color green can sometimes boost my mood. My parents also use diffusers and incense. Smells like peppermint make me feel really clean and nice.
Slow down during transitions
‘Often people rush from one task to the next without thinking about the moments in between. Transitions offer a space to pause. Pay attention to the feeling of your feet on the ground when walking. Choose silence on the commute home and focus on breath at each stop. Even just checking-in with yourself between activities creates space for peace.’I have to do this all the time! If it’s a special moment, I need to check in with my mind. If I’m snuggling my baby brother, I paint the scene in my mind. I listen to his breath. His moving chest. I remind myself how important this is, and keep saying it until I know I’ll remember it. Or another reason I need this sometimes; this year, I kept forgetting it’s 2025. So I tell myself; it’s 2025 (year), I’m at home (place), and I’m reading a book (activity). It helps to remind myself of who I am. Where I am. What’s going on. Because reminders are important.
Rest matters. People will burn out if we don’t rest. But don’t confuse laziness with resting. It’s okay to be lazy sometimes. But too much of anything is bad. Rest when needed, then work when needed. Balance is important.
Thank you so much for reading today! I hope this article helped you see how important resting is! Let me know what you think in the comments, and if there’s anything you’d like to know about Christianity, homeschool, writing or another topic, please let me know!
Demi, just catching up with life 🥱
Yes, yes, yes!