What Rest Really Means for a Healthy Life—Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally
In Stephenville and Eastland, rest is something we promise ourselves when the chores are done. But in a world that never stops moving, “done” never really comes. That’s why Dr. LaDuque encourages something deeper—something older: embodied Sabbath.
More than just a break, Sabbath is a rhythm of healing for the whole self. It’s about ceasing, delighting, restoring. And your body—yes, even your posture, breath, gut, and immune system—was designed to respond to that rhythm.
Why the Body Needs Sabbath
- Stress hormones drop: Regular rest reduces cortisol and blood pressure, supporting heart and brain health (Chrousos, 2009).
- Sleep improves: When we stop overloading the nervous system, melatonin flows more freely (Walker, 2017).
- Digestion recalibrates: A calm state allows the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system to function properly.
- Inflammation decreases: Intentional rest helps lower systemic inflammation markers (Black & Slavich, 2016).
But Isn’t Rest Lazy?
Not at all. In fact, Sabbath is a discipline. In scripture, it’s the first thing God called holy. Rest isn’t what we do after the work—it’s what prepares us for it.
“We are not machines. We are soil. We need time to lie fallow, so we can grow stronger.” — Dr. LaDuque
How to Practice Sabbath in Your Body
- Move slowly: Sabbath walks, gentle stretching, or barefoot time in the yard reconnect you with your body’s pace.
- Eat simply: Fresh foods, slow-cooked meals, and shared tables nourish the gut and the soul.
- Breathe with awareness: Take 5 deep breaths every hour. Let your nervous system settle.
- Nap without guilt: Even a 20-minute rest resets brain chemistry and improves focus.
- Disconnect from tech: Give your senses a break. Let your body notice the quiet.
Sabbath for Families
For many in our Texas towns, Sunday is already set aside for worship. But Sabbath can be expanded—into Friday night board games, Sunday evening nature walks, or unplugged Saturday mornings. The key is intention.
Dr. LaDuque encourages families to create Sabbath cues: a candle at dinner, a special meal, a quiet corner with a blanket and Bible, or even a porch chair just for sitting. The body begins to associate these rituals with restoration.
What Happens When We Ignore Rest
The signs show up fast: joint pain, mental fog, digestive problems, irritability, shallow sleep, and low energy. Over time, lack of rest leads to burnout, disease, and disconnection. Sabbath isn’t optional for a flourishing life—it’s foundational.
Sabbath Is for Everyone
This isn’t just for people who are “religious.” The body doesn’t care what you call it—it just needs rhythms. Stillness. Margin. Slowness. Whether you’re a pastor or a ranch hand, a teacher or a teenager—your body will thank you for a day of holy rest.
Citations
- Chrousos, George P. “Stress and disorders of the stress system.” Nature Reviews Endocrinology, vol. 5, no. 7, 2009, pp. 374–381.
- Walker, Matthew. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner, 2017.
- Black, David S., and George M. Slavich. “Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1373, no. 1, 2016, pp. 13–24.
Explore More from the Wellness Series
- The Morning Good Stuff →
- Whole Health Starts in the Mouth →
- Intentional Living →
- Men Need Rhythm, Not Rescue →
- The Wellness Shelf →
- Breathe Better, Live Better →
- The Food Filter →
- Digital Sabbath →
Author: Dr. LaDuque, Dental Excellence
Location: Stephenville & Eastland, TX