Helping you navigate the tension between faith & mental health by looking at a tension point, a talking point and a truth to ponder.

Tension Point

"I know I need to rest, but I just can’t seem to stop. Even when I try to take time, I feel guilty or restless. Why does it feel so hard to switch off?”

Talking Point

We live in a world that glorifies hustle, where productivity is mistaken for worth. Even in Christian circles, we can fall into the trap of thinking our output defines our obedience. But Scripture tells a different story.

In the creation narrative, God didn’t wait until everything was finished to rest—He paused in the middle of the work. Each day, He created, then paused. “And there was evening, and there was morning…” This divine rhythm teaches us to value reflection over perfection and to see rest not as weakness, but as wisdom.

And yet… many of us struggle with internal beliefs that resist rest. Thoughts like: “I’m too busy to stop,” or “Rest is laziness,” or “If I slow down, I’ll fall behind.” These beliefs aren’t just cultural—they’re deeply ingrained, often unconsciously. But left unchecked, they lead to burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from God and ourselves.

God’s rhythm invites something better. He didn’t just rest after creation—He paused within it. Rest isn’t about checking out. It’s about checking in—with ourselves, with God, and with the deeper rhythms that lead to wholeness.

Truth to Ponder

If rest and pause feel elusive right now, here are some ways to bring them into reach—practically, psychologically, and spiritually:

PAUSES: The commas of your day

Breathe deeply. Intentional breath slows your stress response. Inhale for 4, hold, exhale for 10. Do this anywhere – in your car, in the shower, between meetings.
Unplug intentionally. Be smarter than your smart device. Use “Do Not Disturb” mode after a set time in the evening and guard moments of quiet like treasure.
Redefine rest. Make space for activities that are truly restorative – for instance, if you like reading, don’t read work related books (3 ways to be a better leader, 5 tips to be more effective etc!) and count it as rest.
Inject joy. Do more of what brings delight—whether it’s tinkering, having a hot bubble bath, chatting, or sitting still with a cuppa.
Don’t neglect the basics. Nutritious food, decent sleep, and exercise aren’t luxuries—they’re vital pause points for body and mind.

REST: The full stops of your week

Rest your thoughts. Challenge yourself to sit and be present for 3 minutes a day. No planning. No reflecting. No mental to do lists. Just. Be. Still.
Rest your pace. Walk slower. Drive slower. Pack less in. Stop replacing work with a hyperactive version of ‘rest.’
Rest your soul. Let go of guilt. Stop ‘should-ing’ yourself. Follow what brings joy, connection, and peace.

You were made in God’s image. And He chose to rest—not because He was tired, but because rest is sacred. It honours our limits, our need for rhythm, and our call to live not just effectively—but faithfully.

So this week, take one pause. Then take one rest. And watch what shifts in you.