Spring Renewal: Rest vs Restoration

With March in full swing, I’m feeling a natural shift. The days are stretching longer, the sunshine feels warmer on my skin, and I’m noticing a boost in my energy. My first instinct? To do more. Tackle the to-do list, launch new projects, and fill my days with activity. But as I lean into my word for the year—nurture—I’m reminded that more isn’t always better.

Nurturing ourselves isn’t just about what we add to our days; it’s also about how we recharge. And that’s where we often get it wrong. We think that rest is enough, but true restoration runs much deeper than just resting.

Rest vs. Restoration

Rest is often passive. It’s what we do when we lounge on the couch, scroll through social media, binge-watch our favourite show, or even sleep. These moments are necessary in their own way, but they don’t always restore us on a deeper level. In fact, they can sometimes leave us feeling drained or disconnected.

Restoration, on the other hand, is intentional. It actively replenishes our energy, resets our nervous system, and nurtures both our body and mind. It’s a process that requires mindfulness and self-awareness. True restoration goes beyond simply pausing; it’s about intentionally recharging our whole system.

As we transition into spring, I’m becoming more intentional about how I spend my energy. Instead of just crashing at the end of the day, I’m shifting my focus to true restoration. I’ve been asking myself: What will truly restore me?

Here are a few ways to make the shift from rest to restoration:

1. Move with intention. Gentle movement like Pilates, yoga, or a mindful walk can restore energy rather than deplete it. It’s not about intense exercise or pushing through fatigue; it’s about moving in a way that nurtures your body and gives you back some of the energy you’ve expended.

2. Step outside. Sunshine, fresh air, and even a few deep breaths in nature can work wonders in resetting your system. The natural world has a way of calming our minds and balancing our energy. A short walk in the park, or even sitting on your porch for a few minutes, can be enough to refresh you.

3. Engage in true stillness. Instead of zoning out in front of a screen, try incorporating a 5-minute breathing practice or meditation into your day. Allowing yourself to truly pause and be present with your breath helps reset your nervous system and clear mental clutter.

4. Nourish your mind. Reading something uplifting, journaling, or engaging in a creative activity that brings you joy can help restore your mental energy. It’s about filling your mind with positivity and nurturing your creativity in a way that’s restorative.

5. Hydrate & nourish. Our bodies need support, especially as we nurture ourselves. Drink a warm cup of tea, enjoy a nourishing meal, or even hydrate with an extra glass of water. These simple acts of self-care help support your body and promote deep restoration.

This spring, instead of pushing to do more, I invite you to ask yourself: What will truly restore me? If you’re feeling the same pull to go, go, go, I invite you to pause and be mindful about how you nurture your energy. Rest may be necessary, but restoration is what truly revitalizes you.

So, what’s one small shift you can make this week to move from rest to restoration? Taking a step toward intentional restoration will help you feel more energized, grounded, and connected as we move through this season of renewal.

Let’s nurture ourselves this spring—on a deeper, more intentional level.

Rest is important. But restoration is where the JOY is!