In today’s fast-paced, hyper-stimulated world, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. We glorify busyness and equate our worth with productivity. And yet, our Creator commands us to rest. Isn't it wild that God would require rest? This isn’t just a spiritual principle—it’s an essential part of human flourishing. The biblical practice of Sabbath is more than a religious tradition. It is a sacred rhythm that aligns our lives with divine wisdom—and science increasingly confirms its importance.
Biblical Foundations of Rest
From the beginning, God modeled rest for us. In Genesis 2:2–3, we read: “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” Later, in Exodus 20:8–10, God instructs His people to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” This commandment isn’t merely about ceasing from labor; it’s about stepping into God’s rhythm—one that includes work and rest.
Jesus echoed this in Mark 2:27, saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Rest is not a burden, but a gift—intended for our good.
Scientific Benefits of Rest
Modern science affirms what Scripture has long proclaimed: rest is vital for our spiritual, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
1. Physical Restoration
Rest allows our bodies to repair and heal. Studies show that regular rest reduces inflammation, lowers cortisol levels, and boosts immune functioning (Irwin, 2015). Even non-sleep rest, such as quiet reflection or gentle movement, improves cardiovascular health and reduces muscle tension (Benson & Klipper, 2000).
2. Cognitive Function and Productivity
Despite our culture’s hustle mindset, research clearly shows that rest increases productivity. A study in Nature Neuroscience found that taking breaks and engaging in relaxation practices improves memory, decision-making, and creativity (Mednick et al., 2003). Other studies show that mindfulness and brief rest periods enhance attention span and problem-solving (Zeidan et al., 2010).
3. Emotional and Psychological Well-being
Chronic stress and overwork are major contributors to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Rest is apsychological necessity. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that scheduled rest reduces emotional exhaustion and improves overall mood (Sonnentag & Fritz, 2015). Leisure activities such as being in nature, listening to music, or enjoying unstructured time have been linked to greater emotional resilience (Pressman et al., 2009).
4. Spiritual and Relational Connection
Sabbath rest is not just for the body—it’s also for the soul. In a world dominated by digital distractions and hurried conversations, Sabbath offers intentional space to reconnect—with God, family, and ourselves. Hebrews 4:9–10 reminds us: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.”
Why Choose Eckert Centre
At Eckert Centre, we understand the emotional and physical toll that stress, overwork, and anxiety place on individuals and families. Our team is here to help you find a rhythm that prioritizes both well-being and balance. We blend the best of evidence-based psychological care with deep respect for your spiritual and emotional journey.
Whether you’re wrestling with burnout, navigating faith and mental health, or trying to reclaim peace in your life, we offer compassionate, integrated care that sees and supports the whole person.
How We Can Help
If rest feels foreign, hard to prioritize, or even guilt-inducing, you’re not alone—and we can help. Our services include:
• Individual Counselling: Supporting those experiencing burnout, stress, and difficulty setting boundaries.
• Faith-Integrated Therapy: Exploring the intersection between your spiritual practices and emotional health.
• Family Counselling: Helping families build rhythms of connection and rest together.
• Parent Support: Guiding overwhelmed caregivers to create sustainable and nourishing routines for themselves and their children.
We serve clients in Calgary, Airdrie, and Cochrane, offering both in-person and online appointments designed for flexibility and comfort.
Schedule a Consultation Today
You don’t have to keep running on empty. If you’re longing for rest but struggling to find it, our team at Eckert Centre is here to walk with you.
Let us help you explore a more grounded, life-giving rhythm.
Call Us: (403) 230-2959
Email Us: info@eckert-psychology.com
Book Online: eckertpsychology.janeapp.com
Take the first step toward rest that restores. You were never meant to carry it all alone.
References
Benson, H., & Klipper, M. Z. (2000). The relaxation response. Harper Collins.
Irwin, M. R. (2015). Why sleep is important for health: A psychoneuroimmunology perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 143–172.
Mednick, S. C., Nakayama, K., & Stickgold, R. (2003). Sleep-dependent learning: A nap is as good as a night. Nature Neuroscience, 6(7), 697–698.
Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Schulz, R., & Baum, A. (2009). Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(7), 725–732.
Sonnentag, S., & Fritz, C. (2015). Recovery from job stress: The stressor-detachment model as an integrative framework. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(S1), S72–S103.
Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.
Zeidan, F., Johnson, S. K., Diamond, B. J., David, Z., & Goolkasian, P. (2010). Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training. Consciousness and Cognition, 19(2), 597–605.
