What Does Rest Look Like For You Right Now?
A Different Take on Self-Care
We’ve all heard the advice: Take a bubble bath. Light a candle. Treat yourself. And while those classic self-care practices have their place, rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, sometimes what we think will recharge us ends up feeling like just another item on the to-do list.
At our practice, we invite clients to consider rest and self-care more broadly—and more honestly.
What Counts as Self-Care?
Self-care isn’t just about luxury or indulgence. It’s about caring for your full self: physically, emotionally, mentally, and even logistically. That might mean:
Scheduling the doctor’s appointment you’ve been avoiding
Turning off notifications for a few hours
Doing the laundry or mowing the lawn that’s adding to your stress
Saying “no” to plans when what you need is quiet
Taking the afternoon to do absolutely nothing
Sometimes, self-care looks like action. Other times, it looks like permission—to slow down, to unplug, or to feel what you’re feeling.
Rest Isn’t Always What You Think It Is
Here’s a common scenario: you block out time for something that’s supposed to be rejuvenating—a night out with friends, a creative project in the garage, a hike, a yoga class, or even time tinkering with your car or gaming—but you still feel drained afterward.
That might be a sign it wasn’t the kind of rest your body or mind needed at that moment.
Rest is personal. For some, it means solitude and stillness. For others, it might mean movement, creativity, or connection. There’s no “right” way—just what’s right for you right now.
How to Know What You Need
When was the last time you checked in with yourself—not just what you should be doing for self-care, but what would actually feel restorative?
Try asking:
What’s been draining me lately?
Do I need connection or quiet?
Is there a task that’s hanging over me that I need to resolve to feel lighter?
Would giving myself permission to do nothing feel like relief or avoidance?
Listening to your answers with compassion is a form of care in itself.
Let It Be Enough
The best kind of rest doesn’t always look productive. It might not earn applause. It might mean leaving dishes in the sink, letting the yard work wait, skipping a workout, or ignoring unread messages for a while. It might look like taking a nap on the couch or zoning out to a favorite show or podcast—not because you’re lazy, but because your body and brain are asking for a break.
The best rest isn’t always obvious—or even what you thought you needed. But if it brings you back to yourself, it’s exactly right.
Chanderbhan Psychological Services
About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We help individuals and couples who are struggling in different areas of their lives gain the clarity they need to grow and change. We also offer telehealth to individuals located in the wider State of Texas. To read blogs on mental health and relationships, visit our website.
