Rest is a Biological Need: A Gentle Reminder in a Busy Month
December feels full for a lot of us. The pace picks up, the to-do lists get longer, and the pressure to keep up with everything can sneak into the background. Maybe you feel the pre-holiday rush too.
I notice it every year in my group yoga classes. Attendance drops as we move into December, not because people stop caring about their practice, but because there’s simply a lot to prepare for. Gifts, gatherings, travel, work deadlines, family plans, and so on.
It’s understandable. And at the same time, it’s a bit ironic. This is often the moment when our bodies and minds could benefit the most from slowing down.
One thing I remind my students (and I keep on reminding myself too) is that rest is not a luxury. Rest is a biological need, just like water, food, and oxygen. We’re not meant to push through nonstop, especially during seasons that ask more of us. When life gets busy, the small pauses matter even more. They’re how we support our nervous system instead of constantly draining it.
If the idea of “rest” feels unrealistic right now, the good news is that it doesn’t need to be an hour-long ritual or a full yoga practice to make a difference. Tiny, intentional moments can shift how your day feels.
Here are a few simple ways to weave rest into your routines:
Lie down on the floor in shavasana for a few minutes and take slow, steady breaths
Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee without any screens and let yourself feel the heat between your palms
Stretch for a minute or two before checking your phone in the morning
Pause between tasks, even briefly, instead of rushing to the next thing
These practices may seem small, but they help your body come out of “go mode” and reset. They give your mind a moment of clarity and your nervous system a moment of relief. And over time, these small resets add up.
December will always be full, but it doesn’t have to sweep you away. You’re allowed to take care of yourself in the middle of everything. You’re allowed to rest, even when the world around you feels busy.
I hope you find a little space for yourself this month.
Wishing you ease as the year wraps up and a peaceful holiday season. 💛
What do you think? I’d love to hear what you discover! My email inbox and Instagram DMs are open, as always.
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