Why Rest Feels Hard—and How to Reclaim It
For the last few years, I’ve been curious about how modern technology has weakened our sense of human-ness—how it’s distanced us from the animals we truly are.
Think about it: technology has made our lives easier in countless ways. I’m typing this newsletter on a machine that sits on my lap, editing it in real time, and sending it to you with the click of a button. That’s incredible! I use technology every day, and I wouldn’t have the success I have today without it. I’m guessing the same is true for you.
But when does technology start to get in the way of us living healthily? When do our tools become the thing that disconnects us from the natural rhythms our bodies crave?
For me, it showed up in my relationship with rest. The more plugged in I became—endlessly scrolling on my phone, reading news articles, filling every quiet moment with stimulation—the more disconnected I felt. My body was tired, but I couldn’t sleep. My brain was wired, but my energy was depleted. The natural cycles of rest and activity that had guided humans for thousands of years felt completely out of reach.
I realized I wasn’t just working against my body—I was working against my nature.
Why Do We Resist Rest?
Modern life makes it easy to ignore the body’s signals for rest. There’s always one more email to answer, one more post to scroll through, one more show to watch. Our devices keep us plugged in long after our minds and bodies need to unplug.
This constant availability isn’t just a habit—it’s a cultural expectation. We’ve glorified busyness, equating it with productivity and worth. Rest, on the other hand, is seen as indulgent, lazy, or unimportant.
But here’s the thing: our bodies don’t know about deadlines or social media trends. They’re still wired to follow the rhythms of nature—the rising and setting of the sun, the ebb and flow of activity and rest. When we ignore those rhythms, we disrupt our internal balance, leaving ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally drained.
Trauma and stress amplify this disconnection. If you’ve experienced prolonged stress or emotional pain, your nervous system may stay stuck in a heightened state of alertness, making rest feel unsafe or impossible.
The Importance of Rest for Healing
Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about reconnecting with the rhythms that allow your body and mind to heal. One of the most important rhythms is your circadian clock, the internal system that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.
This clock relies on natural light and dark cycles to function. Sunlight in the morning energizes you by boosting cortisol, while darkness in the evening triggers melatonin, the hormone that prepares your body for sleep.
But rest goes even deeper than sleep. It plays a crucial role in a biological process called autophagy, which is your body’s way of “cleaning house.”
What Is Autophagy?
Autophagy, which translates to “self-eating,” is the body’s natural process of cleaning out damaged cells, toxins, and debris. It’s like a cellular recycling system, where old and dysfunctional components are broken down and repurposed. This process is essential for:
Cellular repair and renewal
Boosting your immune system
Reducing inflammation
Protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
When you give your body adequate rest, you create the conditions for autophagy to occur. Deep sleep, in particular, is a critical time for this process. It allows your brain and body to repair, detoxify, and optimize cellular function.
How Lack of Rest Disrupts Autophagy
Chronic sleep deprivation or poor-quality rest can disrupt autophagy, leading to:
Increased inflammation in the body.
Impaired ability to remove toxins from the brain, contributing to mental fog and emotional instability.
Accelerated aging and increased risk of chronic illnesses.
How to Reclaim Rest in a Tech-Filled World
The good news is that small, intentional changes can help you align with your body’s natural rhythms—even in a world full of distractions. Here’s how to start:
Follow Natural Light Cycles:
Spend time outside in the morning to expose your eyes to natural sunlight, which reinforces your circadian rhythm.
In the evening, dim your lights and minimize screen use to cue your body for rest.
Using red lights. Red lights have longer wavelengths which promotes melatonin production.
Replace the Screen with a Book:
Set a “digital curfew” by turning off screens at least an hour before bed.
Reading engages the brain without overstimulation.
Establish a Rest Routine:
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your internal clock.
Create a wind-down ritual—stretching, deep breathing, or sipping herbal tea can help signal to your body that it’s time to relax.
3-2-1 Rule: No food 3 hours before bed. No drinks 2 hours before bed. No screens 1 hour before bed.
Honor Your Body’s Signals:
Notice when you feel tired, and instead of reaching for caffeine or a screen to push through, give yourself permission to rest.
Incorporate micro-rest moments into your day, like a quick walk outside or a few minutes of mindful breathing.
Rest: A Return to Yourself
Technology isn’t inherently bad—it’s a tool. But when we rely on it at the expense of our natural rhythms, it disconnects us from ourselves. Rest is about more than sleep. It’s about reclaiming your body’s innate wisdom and trusting the cycles that have guided humans for centuries.
This week, I invite you to reflect: How is technology influencing your relationship with rest? What’s one small change you can make to reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms?
