Yesterday I started a new Bible study called Courageous Simplicity by (in)courage studies and I am absolutely loving it.

One thing I wanted to focus on in 2024 (focus is my word of the year) was intentional time slowing down and resting. I wanted to not rush through my days and take on more than I can actually get done in a day, week or month. I found myself last year getting back into old habits of hustle and rush and I was starting to feel like physically and mentally so I knew that I neede to catch it early and start to slow down.

Some of the ways I am slowing down requires me to say no to many things, even good things but one thing I knew that I needed to say yes to and create power in was my quiet time which is where this study comes in. Spending time with the Lord gives me more rest and strength than anything else could and starting my day with this study, reading and journaling has been such a sweet sport in my morning routine.

But, there are other ways I have intentionally slowed down and found rest in new routines and rhythms that I thought I would share with you today!

1. Create a morning and evening routine. Now, this doesn’t need to be anything elaborate but simple routines can help you slow down and find peace in your busy day. Create a routine that is simple and build on it if you desire but a simple 10 minute morning and evening routine will change the way you start and end your days. Resist the urge to fill it with noise and screen time and instead, welcome the routine with peace and quiet.

2. Keep white space in your calendar. What does this mean? It simply means don’t feel the need to fill your calendar every hour of every day. It is quite alright and even better actually to have empty spaces in your calendar everyday. Take the 30 minute walk, a 15 minute power nap, listen to your favorite music, etc. Simply having the space and time will slow you down and help you keep from rushing.

3. Eat well and hydrate. I know this one sounds like a weird one to throw in but when you feel better, your mind and body is able to rest better. Know what food triggers your body and what things like caffeine and sugar do to your mood and anxiety. The better you feel the more you will be able to relax.

4. Rewatch your favorite show. I read once that many people with anxiety rewatch their favorite shows because they know what is coming and don’t have to guess what is next (which is often where anxiety stems from) but, I truly feel like this is good for everyone. Find your show and be able to turn it on when you want to rest. Knowing what is happening will keep your mind at ease and it’s your favorite for a reason right? Add that little joy to your day.

5. Be okay with FOMO. Something that I have had to be confident in is saying no. It’s easy to say no to the things that aren’t fun or I don’t want to do but, I have also had to find confidence in saying no to things that I know I would enjoy or want to do. The reality is, if I say yes to everything I am going to be feeling rushed and overbooked so I need to really be confident in my yes’ and no’s and be okay with feeling a little bit of FOMO. It’s okay to miss out on things, there are always going to be things to say yes to.

How do you find rest? How do you intentionally slow down and create time to fill up your cup?