After going through a mental health crisis, it can be tempting to jump right back into life—back to responsibilities, routines, and all the expectations that were waiting for you. You may feel pressure to prove you’re “better” or to make up for lost time. But your healing doesn’t end when the immediate crisis is over. Some of the most important parts of recovery happen in the quiet spaces that follow. One of the most essential—and most often overlooked—pieces of your recovery is rest.
Why Rest Matters in Mental Health Recovery
Rest is more than just sleep. It’s a conscious decision to slow down, give your mind and body space to breathe, and create conditions for healing. During and after a mental health crisis, your nervous system has been through a storm. You may have experienced anxiety, panic, depression, confusion, or exhaustion. These states take a toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
When you allow yourself to rest, you’re giving your nervous system a chance to reset. Rest helps regulate cortisol (the stress hormone), restore cognitive clarity, and improve your mood. It also gives your body time to repair itself—something that can’t fully happen when you’re constantly in survival mode.
How to Take Time for Rest
Taking time to rest doesn’t mean you have to drop everything or isolate yourself. It means being intentional about creating moments that restore you, rather than drain you. Here are some ways to build restorative rest into your life:
- Prioritize sleep. Good sleep is essential for mental health. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, limit screen time before bed, and create a calm nighttime routine. If you struggle with insomnia or nightmares, talk to your care team—there are supportive therapies that can help.
- Practice stillness. You don’t have to be productive all the time. Sitting quietly with a cup of tea, spending time in nature, meditating, or simply lying down and listening to calming music are all forms of rest. Stillness helps your brain process what it’s been through, without pressure.
- Permit yourself to say no. Part of resting means protecting your time and energy. If a social event or responsibility feels overwhelming, it’s okay to decline. You don’t have to explain yourself. Your healing comes first.
- Limit mental overload. Scrolling through social media, watching the news, or trying to multitask constantly can wear you out mentally. Take breaks from overstimulation. Try reading, journaling, or doing a gentle creative activity like drawing or coloring.
- Build “micro-rests” into your day. You don’t always need hours to rest. Even five-minute check-ins throughout the day can help. Pause, breathe deeply, stretch your body, or close your eyes. These small moments add up.
- Take advantage of supportive environments. Whether you’re in an outpatient program or receiving follow-up care, make the most of any supportive resources available to you. Safe, structured environments—like those at Peak Behavioral Health—are designed to give you space for both rest and reflection.
What Happens When You Don’t Give Yourself Time to Rest
Pushing yourself too hard after a mental health crisis can backfire. When you ignore your body’s need for recovery, you risk prolonging your symptoms or even triggering a relapse.
You might notice signs like:
- Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep
- Heightened anxiety or depressive thoughts
- Feeling detached or “numb”
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
These are signs that your system is overwhelmed and needs care—not punishment or pressure. When you ignore rest, you’re sending yourself the message that your needs don’t matter. But they do. Your well-being matters, and taking time to heal is not selfish—it’s essential.
Give Yourself the Gift of Rest
Located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the team at Peak Behavioral Health understands that healing doesn’t happen overnight. We also know that the recovery process isn’t just about surviving a mental health crisis—it’s about learning how to truly care for yourself moving forward.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Support is always available. Whether you’re just starting your journey or finding your footing again, you deserve the time and space to heal. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today!
