The Mental Health Benefits of Intentional Rest
Intentional rest. Now, I’m not here to get all preachy about mental health—I’m no expert with a license to hand out advice. And I’m definitely not going to promote some magic unicorn pee that promises to cure your life. But let’s get real for a second. I’ve battled my fair share of migraines and headaches. There was even a time when I was convinced I had a brain tumor. Spoiler alert: after a CT scan, it turns out I was just stressed, not dying. Panic attacks? Been there, done that. They’re no joke—yes, they feel like you’re dying. Anxiety? We’re practically old friends. Worrying about things that don’t exist? Yep, guilty.
But here’s the thing: I’ve learned to S.L.O.W. D.O.W.N And you know what? It helps. Constantly being on the go keeps our bodies in a state of stress, which can lead to all kinds of nasty side effects. By taking time to chill out—whether that’s through gardening, lounging, or just breathing—we can let our bodies and minds recover. I’m not saying it’ll solve all your problems, but it’s done wonders for me. And hey, if you’re curious, the Canadian Mental Health Association has a lot more to say about the benefits of slowing down. Follow the link to learn more. https://cmha.ca
Learning from Cultures that Prioritize Intentional Rest
Around the world, there are cultures that just get it—they’ve mastered the art of living slowly, which is a refreshing change from the go-go-go mentality we often see in Western societies. These cultures offer a roadmap for living with more intention, where quality trumps quantity, and the present moment is where the magic happens.
Take the Danes, for example. They’ve nailed the concept of “hygge,” which is all about coziness, comfort, and contentment. It’s creating a warm atmosphere, enjoying the good things in life with good people. Whether it’s curling up with a good book, sharing a long dinner with friends, or taking a leisurely stroll, the Danes know that happiness is often found in life’s simplest pleasures. And if you’ve been following me, you know I’m all about that hygge life—you can dive into more of my thoughts on it in my other posts.
https://dkdesigninspirations.com/4-simple-ways-to-welcome-spring-in-your-home/
https://dkdesigninspirations.com/8-hygge-inspired-ideas-to-embrace-the-cozy-vibes-this-fall/
https://dkdesigninspirations.com/10-simple-ideas-for-a-hygge-summer/
Then there’s Italy, where “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) is the way to go. Italians are pros at savoring life’s pleasures, whether it’s enjoying a long meal, wandering through a piazza, or spending an afternoon with family. Their focus is on living fully in the moment, rather than rushing from one task to the next.
These cultures remind us that life isn’t just about what we achieve or do—it’s about being. Being present, being content, and finding peace in the moment.
Embracing a Slower Season
This summer, I’ve taken a page from these cultures, allowing myself to slow down and savor the season. Instead of rushing to the lake, I’ve stayed home, enjoying the peace and quiet of my own backyard. The lake has its charms, but the thought of packing, driving, and spending more time working than relaxing didn’t appeal this year. Instead, I’ve found joy in simple tasks like gardening (not here claiming to have a green thumb but I did successfully grow corn, potatoes, peas, lettuce and cucumbers this year) , organizing, and even lazing around with the dogs when the sun gets too hot.
For the first time since I was 14 and started working, I’ve experienced what it’s like to truly slow down. Sure, I’ve had my share of work, like finishing a large interior redesign project in July and planning my next big launch, but I’ve balanced it with plenty of rest. I’ve slept in, had slow, lazy mornings with my coffee, and spent more time in pajamas than I care to admit. I’ve even indulged in a bit more reality TV than usual, something I rarely allow myself.
And you know what? It’s been wonderful. There’s a sense of peace that comes from not rushing, from not having to be anywhere or do anything unless I choose to. In a few weeks, when school starts and the hustle of the hockey season begins, I know the pace will pick up again. But for now, I’m savoring every slow moment.
Why You Should Consider an Intentional Rest
I highly recommend taking a slow weekend, week, month, or even a season, if you can. The mental health benefits are undeniable, and the sense of peace and contentment that comes from slowing down is priceless. Whether you spend your time gardening, lounging around, or simply enjoying the quiet moments with your family, giving yourself permission to rest is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
In a world that’s always on the go, there’s just something about choosing to slow down. It’s a choice that prioritizes your well-being, your happiness, and your peace of mind. So, take that slow season. You might just find that it’s the best decision you’ve made in a long time.
