Sabbath as a Wellness Practice: Rest as God Intended and Why It Matters for Your Health

Life moves fast. Between work, kids, errands, and all the things we feel like we should be doing, rest can feel impossible. But God actually designed rest for us—it’s built into creation. The Sabbath isn’t about being lazy or falling behind; it’s about remembering who we are in Him, slowing down, and letting our bodies and hearts reset.

God’s Design for Rest

Right from the start, God showed us the importance of rest. In Genesis, after six days of creating, He rested. Not because He needed a break, but to set the example for us.

For me, Sabbath looks like family meals, quality time without rushing, and a good Bible study. It’s become a reset day—ending the week with peace and starting the new one with fresh energy and focus on God.

Rest Is Productive

For a long time, I thought I had to be doing something all the time or I’d fall behind. But I’ve learned that Sabbath itself is productive. Resting in God’s Word is productive. Spending time with family, listening to worship music, cooking together, or just slowing down—those things actually give me more than constant busyness ever could.

The Health Side of Sabbath

God knew what He was doing when He told us to rest. Taking a real Sabbath helps your body and mind in so many ways:

• It calms your stress and gives your nervous system a break.

• It lowers stress hormones and helps your body heal.

• It lifts anxiety and helps you feel more peace and joy.

• It strengthens relationships when you’re really present with loved ones.

• Most of all, it brings you closer to God.

How I Protect Sabbath

It’s not always easy in a world that’s always “on,” but I try to keep it simple:

• I always make time to be in the Word.

• I put screens away as much as I can.

• I don’t do any work.

It doesn’t have to look perfect—it just has to be a pause.

A Gentle Reminder

Sabbath isn’t another rule to follow—it’s a gift. It’s God’s way of saying, you don’t have to do it all, I’ve got you. When we slow down, we can actually hear Him more clearly and feel our bodies reset.

So this week, let this be your reminder: take time to rest. Put down the to-do list, be present, and let God renew you.