Hibernation Mode: Slowing Down for Radical Rest and Renewal
How high-quality rest restores our focus, replenishes our energy, and helps us reclaim a sense of intention in our lives.
As the world around us transitions into winter, nature slows down, conserving energy and preparing for the colder, darker months. Yet, as humans, we often find ourselves doing the opposite—hustling harder, pushing against the natural rhythm, and resisting the call to retreat and rest. This constant striving often leaves us burned out and frazzled by year-end, drained of the energy we need to truly enjoy the season.
I know this pattern well—I lived it for years. Life feels chaotic, work is demanding, and rest seems like an indulgence we can’t afford. In the race to juggle all the things, self-care often slips to the bottom of the priority list or is reduced to a Sunday night ritual instead of a consistent, grounding practice.
But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an essential anchor for our wellbeing. It needs to be personal, seasonal, and consistent, adjusting to our changing needs just as the seasons shift. What worked in the warmth of summer may not suit the slower, colder rhythm of winter. In winter, when we’re cold, tense, and tired, our bodies crave activities that are more restful and restorative, especially as the days grow shorter and darker.
Why Rest and Renewal Matter
Without intentional rest, it’s easy to find ourselves frayed at the edges—exhausted, unmotivated, and out of balance. High-quality rest is transformative. It restores focus, replenishes energy, and helps us reclaim a sense of intention in our lives. When we take care of ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we sleep better, feel healthier, and strengthen our relationships.
Self-care isn’t just about pampering; it’s about nourishing your body and mind. From yoga and mindfulness practices to the food you eat and the environment you create for yourself, every choice impacts your physical and emotional well-being.
Yet even when we crave rest, many of us struggle to truly settle. How often do you find yourself longing for solitude after a hectic week, only to feel guilty for not spending time with friends? Or you "rest" by collapsing on the sofa, scrolling aimlessly, only to realise it wasn’t nourishing at all—a phenomenon I call junk rest.
One person who attended our September retreat described it perfectly:
This realisation is powerful: rest isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about slowing down enough for your body to rebalance itself.
Seven Different Types of Rest to Regulate Your Body and Mind
Certain forms of rest may resonate with you more than others—often because they’re what you lack the most. Others may help you appreciate the restful practices you’re already engaging in, even if you didn’t realize their full value.
Let’s explore each type, knowing that they all interconnect to form a holistic approach to wellbeing.
1. Physical Rest
This is the most obvious type of rest, but it goes beyond simply sleeping. Active physical rest might include yoga, stretching, or massage therapy to release tension and restore energy. Passive physical rest, like napping or getting a full night’s sleep, allows your body to repair itself.
2. Mental Rest
When your mind feels cluttered and overwhelmed, mental rest is key. This might involve taking short breaks during work, journaling your thoughts, or practising mindfulness to clear your mental space.
3. Emotional Rest
Emotional rest allows you to express your feelings without fear of judgment. Spending time with someone who understands you or engaging in self-compassion practices can help release pent-up emotions.
4. Sensory Rest
We live in a world saturated with sensory stimulation—phones, TVs, and constant notifications. Sensory rest means reducing input, like stepping away from screens, dimming the lights, or enjoying a quiet moment in nature.
5. Social Rest
Social rest involves setting boundaries and saying no to draining interactions. Prioritise spending time with people who uplift and energise you, and don’t feel guilty about carving out solitude when you need it.
6. Creative Rest
This is the rest that inspires you. It comes from engaging with art, music, or nature, or trying a creative activity like drawing, pottery, or writing. Allowing your mind to wander without pressure can spark new ideas and restore your creative energy.
7. Spiritual Rest
Spiritual rest connects you to something greater than yourself. This could involve meditation, prayer, or mindful breathing exercises. Even a walk in nature can help you feel more grounded and aligned.
The Power of Recognising Rest
Understanding the different dimensions of rest can be a game-changer. Rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a personal, evolving practice. By identifying which types of rest you need most, you can start prioritising them and reaping the benefits of a balanced, sustainable lifestyle.
The beauty of rest lies in its variety. Just as each shade adds depth to a painting, each form of rest enriches your life in unique ways. Make space for rest, explore what works for you, and watch as it transforms not just your energy but your overall well-being.
Let’s start embracing rest in all its forms and let go of the guilt. After all, rest isn’t a weakness—it’s the foundation of a thriving life.
Seven Suggestions for Slowing Down
If you’re ready to embrace a slower, more restorative rhythm this season, here are seven ideas to get started:
Make Time for Body-Mindful Yoga
Release tension, clear your mind, and ground yourself with gentle yoga. It’s a simple yet powerful way to recharge.
Read an Inspiring Book
Give your mind a break from screens and immerse yourself in something that uplifts and motivates you.
Create a Self-Care Sanctuary
Surround yourself with soothing scents, calming sounds, and soft lighting to nurture emotional rest.
Reduce Sensory Overload
Step away from screens 30–60 minutes before bed to let your mind unwind and prepare for restful sleep.
Say No to Depleting Commitments
Protect your energy by declining plans that feel overwhelming. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being over FOMO.
Explore a New Creative Outlet
Sign up for a workshop—candle-making, pottery, or life drawing—to engage your creativity and find joy in something new.
Practice Conscious Breathing
Spend 5–10 minutes on mindful breathing. It’s a quick, effective way to reset and restore balance.
Yoga: A Productive Form of Rest
Yoga offers a gentle, productive way to rest and reset. Styles like slow-flow vinyasa, restorative yoga, and body-mindful movement—like those we practice in our **Big Love Wellbeing Community**—are designed to help your body release tension, alleviate discomfort, and calm your mind. Evening yoga sessions, in particular, focus on down-regulation, preparing your body for deep, restorative sleep.
Yoga works on a physiological level to regulate your nervous system, helping you shift from the frenetic energy of the day into a calm, restful state.
Hibernation Mode Activated
This winter, let’s take a cue from nature and embrace a slower, more intentional rhythm. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By making space for high-quality rest and seasonal self-care, we can end the year feeling nourished and grounded instead of frazzled and burned out.
Lean into rest. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.
The Rest Reset is a carefully curated package of three powerful resources that help you reconnect with yourself, regulate your nervous system, and restore deep rest.
Inside, you’ll find:
Rested Being (Restorative Yoga): A 30-minute restorative yoga session designed to slow you down and help you tune into your body, releasing tension and restoring a sense of calm. Perfect for melting away stress and rejuvenating your spirit.
Soothing Somatic Flow: A 20-minute, body-mindful flow to ease tension and bring your body back into balance. Gentle, rhythmic movements guide you into a state of calm and safety—ideal for starting your day or unwinding after a long one.
Soothing Sleep Relaxation Meditation: A guided meditation to help you unwind and drift into a peaceful sleep. This calming practice helps ease the mind, relax the body, and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep, no matter how chaotic your day was.
Whether you're dealing with sleepless nights, busy days, or just need to slow down, this package will help you cultivate a deeper sense of calm, rest, and emotional resilience. Receive your restful resources here.
Big love,
Becki