The Transformative Power of Rest in Healing Chronic Fatigue

Oftentimes, when we have an acute illness like a cold or the flu, we are so tired that we welcome rest. We know it's only for a little while, as our bodies do the work of healing from the infection.

However, when we’re experiencing chronic illness, fatigue, or long-term debilitating symptoms, all we often want is to do again!

I know this feeling very well.

I experienced chronic fatigue and symptoms for almost three years. Especially at the beginning of being sick, all I wanted was my old life back. I wanted to be able to run, garden, and socialize with ease and to feel vibrant and full of energy again.

Naturally, this brings a feeling of resistance to rest.

But rest is key to healing when we’re experiencing neuroplastic symptoms and a dysregulated nervous system.

For at least the first two years of being sick, I rested because I had to. I simply couldn’t make my body do anything it didn’t want to. I lay on the couch, day after day, in agony from sensations wishing desperately to be free of them.

A key turning point came when I discovered TMS (Tension Myoneural Syndrome) work. I realized that I was safe and that the sensations I was experiencing weren’t dangerous. I also came to understand that bringing deep calmness to my nervous system would take time.

I finally trusted that I would heal, but I let go of the pressure around when that would happen.

Through this period of surrender and acceptance, I allowed myself a lot of rest. And it was when I truly trusted that rest was what I needed in order to heal, that rest began to deeply nourish both my mind and body.

When I allowed myself to rest, I gave my body the chance to come out of “survival mode.”

Chronic stress keeps the body stuck in fight-or-flight mode, which leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. Rest helps shift the body back into healing mode.

What Happens in the Brain and Body During Rest?

 

• Stress hormones (like cortisol) go down

• Calming brain chemicals (like GABA and serotonin) go up

• The brain functions better, especially in decision-making and emotional regulation

• The vagus nerve is activated, signaling safety to the body 

Simple Types of Rest That Help:

 

• Lying down quietly with no mental tasks

• Breathwork or meditation

• Spending time in nature

• Being with safe, supportive people

• Reducing sensory overload (screens, noise, bright lights)

• Reading a calming book

• Doing an easy activity like a craft or coloring 

I’m now back to doing all the activities I love with ease, joy, and energy! And I have continued the practice of allowing myself to rest when I need it.

We are human beings, not human doings. It is safe to stop, to rest, and to simply be.

How can you nourish yourself today?

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

With calmness and healing,

Alisha Braswell