Weekend Reset: Reset Your Energy
What to Do When Rest Doesn’t Feel Restful
Sometimes we rest, but don’t feel rested. You sleep in, take a break from email, maybe even nap, yet Monday still feels heavy.
Here’s why: rest isn’t always restorative. Even when you stop working, your mind often doesn’t. Persistent thoughts about tasks or stress keep your body’s stress response active, which can leave you feeling drained.¹
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, explains there are seven types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual. If one type is depleted but you only focus on another, your energy won’t fully bounce back. For example, you might be mentally drained but only trying to sleep more, which doesn’t solve the real problem.²
Science backs this up:
Research shows that psychological detachment from work improves sleep, reduces fatigue, and boosts energy.³
Active rest like walking, stretching, journaling, or listening to music restores focus and mental clarity more effectively than doing nothing.⁴
Try This Quick Reset
Identify the type of tired you feel. Physical? Mental? Creative?
Match your rest to your need:
Mentally drained → unplug, journal, meditate
Physically tired → stretch, take a nap, or go for a gentle walk
Creatively drained → enjoy music, art, or nature
Detach from work mentally. Leave unfinished tasks at work; allow your brain to truly unwind.
Even short, intentional resets can help you feel refreshed, focused, and ready for the week.
Weekend Reset Essentials (Amazon Picks)
Recharge your body, mind, and creativity with a few simple tools:
Books for Mind & Energy
Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith – Learn the seven types of rest and how to restore energy effectively.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker – Understand sleep science and improve recovery.
Tools for Active & Sensory Rest
Weighted Blanket – Promotes physical relaxation and deeper sleep.
Yoga Mat – Gentle stretches or floor exercises to reset the body.
Noise-Canceling Headphones – Supports mental and sensory rest.
Journals & Mindfulness
Mandala Pattern Coloring Book – Focus your mind and unwind through color and pattern. A gentle, creative way to reset without overthinking.
Adult Coloring Book Set – A fun, low-pressure way to recharge your creativity.
References
Sonnentag, S., & Binnewies, C. (2020). Recovery from work-related stress: The role of psychological detachment and sleep quality. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 25(3), 203–215.
Dalton-Smith, S. (2017). Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. FaithWords.
Sonnentag & Binnewies, 2020 (as above)
Voss, M. W., et al. (2019). Physical activity and cognitive function across the lifespan. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 20(11), 653–666.