Being Rested

February 2025

“Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength… it is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.” — Charles Spurgeon

When I took one of those ‘What’s Your Word?’ tests around the new year a few years back, the word REST came up. At first, I didn’t think much about it, it was just one of those silly Facebook quiz algorithms. But as we are entering month two of this year, I again catch myself reflecting on this word, drawn to the flashing neon sign in my head and wondering how I can incorporate rest into my daily life.

I am finding the word to be a pillar for my daily self and using it to create healthy boundaries. In the post-pandemic world, we were exhausted by change that felt like whiplash. Rest felt like a luxury. But as we have navigated these recent years, we have learned much about rest, self-care, and resilience. Fast forward and rest has become a vital part of sustaining our well-being. Did you know that the Bible mentions rest over eight hundred times?

So how can we continue to be deliberate about rest and use a word to guide our intentions? Carve out segments of time… Every… Single… Day… to step away from the grind. This may mean a few minutes at your desk with your eyes closed, feet grounded on the floor, feeling the power of your lungs rise and fall with each breath, and knowing you are strong. It may mean ordering food in once a week as a symbolic way of resting from the dinner chores. It may mean scheduling a time for bible study, meditation, phoning a friend, reading, going to the gym, digital detox, redefining productivity, slowing down the hustle culture—whatever restores your soul. It may mean spending time alone and enjoying your own company. It may mean finally finding a therapist. You get the idea. Anything that is restorative, not just sleep, can be the game changer to fulfill you. The key here is being intentional about rest and restoration. Are you fatigued or weary? Perhaps REST is your word of the year, too.

In a world now shaped by hybrid work environments, a greater focus on mental health, and technology that both connects and overwhelms us, rest remains a challenge—and an opportunity. I have focused on a word to anchor me, and I am certain this will be a guiding principle throughout life. And through my Facebook moment, I realized that I have rest deficits to work on. This year, rest is not just about recharging, it’s a declaration of self-worth and authenticity. How will you reclaim REST in your life this year?

*AUTHOR’S NOTE: Sometimes this newsletter is written from the perspective of the collective “we” and at other times it is necessary to write from one’s inner perspective of “I” as done today. Regardless of the style, the EWC always collaborates to send you the most useful information and most effective format.

Be Well …


Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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