Learning to rest can be quite the challenge amidst this busy society that we live in.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, we live in a demanding culture.

We live in a culture that demands a "yes" after "yes". If someone asks us to do something a "YES" spouts out of our mouths without a thought because we don't want to miss out and because we feel like we can't say no.

But with one yes after the other comes an insanely busy schedule.

Soon enough we are caught up drowning in things that we actually don't even want to do.

However, if your life is anything like mine, you may get slapped in the face with reality very, very hard every now and then.

Sometimes it's the stomach flu that leaves you stuck in bed for a few days and reminds you that you have GOT to rest. Or maybe it's the loss of a relationship or friendship that teaches you that you need to allow yourself to grieve and hurt and give yourself a break for a minute or two. Or perhaps, your mental health has gotten the best of you and now you know that you need a day off to get things back in order. Whatever the case may be, rest is essential and oh so important.

However, we oftentimes associate rest with sitting on the couch and binging the latest Netflix series (which, don't get me wrong, I am a fan).

I love a good "F.R.I.E.N.D.S" binge or a "Greys Anatomy" marathon as much as the next gal. Yet, I am learning that this has got to be done with some self-control, otherwise, it can just turn into something to keep our minds off of things that matter!

This may not be the kind of rest that actually gives our minds a break and allows us to recharge.

Ahh, yes, that word, recharge. Actually regaining energy is the point of rest, yet so often we get this a little bit confused and just use rest as an excuse to be a couch potato (call me guilty, y'all).

But you see, as humans, we all have our differences and while I am the introvert of all introverts, my rest might look different from anyone who is an extrovert.

Think about what fuels your soul instead of what show just came out and get some rest that will regain your energy.

Maybe the next time you rest, you can crack open that Bible on your desk or that book on your nightstand you have been meaning to read for the last 6 months.

For some, rest might actually look like getting outside, laying in a hammock, or going on a hike.

For some, it might be sitting in your favorite coffee shop with a notebook and pen.

I may not know your story, but I am willing to bet that you need a break every now and then.

I would encourage you to find something that is life-giving to do when you catch yourself in need of a break.

I know how easy it is to start scrolling through social media or to start binging on a show, but think about what ACTUALLY makes you happy and go for it.

Maybe even add this time of rest into your daily routine so you don't have to wait until you get the stomach flu to keep you in check.

Take a break every now and then my friends. We all need one sometimes.