Have You Been Resting Inefficiently? 5 Life-Giving Ideas to Rest Well

True rest gives life and doesn’t require hours

The Christmas season is in full swing, and my mind feels like a bustling workshop. Being in ministry, so much preparation goes into reaching people during this special time. While I’m enjoying the heart of the season, I can’t deny how busy it’s been.

Rest is a priority.

When I feel overwhelmed I feel tempted to distract my busy mind by YouTube videos. But entertainment ultimately leaves me drained, not rested.

Watching YouTube has made me realize something important: entertainment can be a clever distraction. It numbs your thoughts, helps you avoid dealing with things you’d rather not face, and provides an illusion of rest. But in truth, it’s a poor substitute for actual renewal. After binging videos, I’m often left with a nagging sense of wasted time, knowing I could have spent those hours doing something truly life-giving.

Real rest, the kind that restores you, doesn’t come as a desire. It often feels dull and boring. However, it’s deeply satisfying and leaves you refreshed in a way that entertainment simply can’t.

This year, I’ve been focusing on finding activities that give true rest.

Here are a few that have made a difference:

1. Journaling Journaling has become a refuge for my thoughts and emotions. I write freely without judgment or structure, pouring out my feelings, worries, and hopes. This practice clears my mind in a way few things can. Knowing that I’ve put my thoughts into words, I walk away feeling lighter and more at peace because I don’t need to keep them in my head. Even after writing about heavy emotions or struggles, I close my journal with much relief and clarity.

2. Going for a walk/bike ride Winter in Albania brings a lot of rain, which sometimes keeps me indoors, but whenever I can, I head out for a walk. There’s something almost magical about how walking clears my mind and sparks creativity. Going on a bike ride is another great energy-giving way of rest. I guess, when the body is busy, the mind can relax.

3. Reflection Since childhood, I loved to sit by a window in the dark, look at the night sky and think. Over the years, technology pulled me away from this quiet practice. Recently, I’ve rediscovered it, and the peace it brings is unmatched. Spending just an hour in reflection can offer more relief than six hours of scrolling through videos. It’s not always easy to sit still, but the depth of refreshment it provides is worth every moment.

4. Reading Though it’s been challenging lately, as I feel the urge to take notes while reading, this activity still stands out as a mind-enriching escape. Reading slows my thoughts, strengthens my focus, and evokes memories of peaceful times of previous reading experiences, like curling up by an open window in spring.

5. Spending time with people This one might surprise you, but I’ve found that being with other people is incredibly life-giving. I live alone so when I can spend time with people I try to use the opportunity. There’s something special in being surrounded by people a unique energy in social connection. Even when it’s tiring, when small kids are shouting and running around, I leave the social gathering with a lot of energy. I believe it’s because we’re made for relationships.

Other activities that have brought life include playing a musical instrument, reading the Bible, crafting, and, for some, even shopping. Each of these practices engages the mind and soul in ways that technological entertainment cannot.

Entertainment might offer a quick distraction, but it doesn’t nurture us or resolve our inner struggles.

During this busy season, whether you’re navigating a packed schedule or gearing up for a well-deserved break, I encourage you to explore different ways of relaxing.

Find what truly restores you and brings you life and do it. You won’t regret it!

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