Happy Easter weekend, everyone!
Easter is usually one of those moments in the year that gives us a natural pause - a chance to spend time with family, to head outdoors (well… if Joburg rain allows), or just take a much-needed breath. Honestly, what better time to lean into a bit of grounding - something we’re really trying to embrace this April.
And while we’re talking about slowing down, I want to bring attention to one of the most underrated parts of healing and recovery: rest.
We’re often taught to do more to feel better. And don’t get me wrong, movement is incredibly important. But so is knowing when to slow down. Especially when your body is in recovery mode.
Something I find myself repeating often to clients is:
Rest isn’t the absence of progress - it’s an essential part of it.
The Hustle vs The Healing
We’re moving fast these days. Work pressures, home responsibilities, the constant pings of social media, even the “fun” stuff feels like something to tick off. So when exactly are we giving our bodies and minds a proper break?
And if you're dealing with pain or an injury, pushing through can sometimes do more harm than good.
Let’s Talk About Burnout
I speak a lot from personal experience, and this past week was a real eye-opener. Someone very close to me was admitted to hospital due to burnout. It was a sobering moment and a reminder of how severe this can become if we don’t take it seriously.
Burnout is the state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that creeps in slowly and stays quietly - until suddenly, it’s not so quiet.
Here’s what it can look like:
- Feeling constantly drained, no matter how much sleep you get
- Losing motivation for the things you used to enjoy
- Increased pain, tightness, or fatigue in the body
- Struggling to focus or feeling emotionally flat
- Feeling disconnected - from yourself, and sometimes others too
And the dangerous part? It can become your new normal if you’re not paying attention.
But here’s the good news: burnout is reversible.
And one of the most powerful tools in that process is rest.
Why Rest Matters in Rehab
Rehab is more than strengthening muscles or correcting your form. It’s also about giving your body the time to reset, repair, and respond.
During rest:
- Your muscles recover, and inflammation begins to settle
- Your nervous system down-regulates - which is crucial for managing pain
- Your body starts to integrate the new patterns and changes you’ve been working on (like posture correction, breathing, or movement techniques)
And it’s not just the physical side that benefits - mental and emotional healing happens here too.
Rest gives you the quiet space to check in, to reflect, and to notice what’s shifted.
A Small Invitation for This Long Weekend
Whether you’re already on a rehab journey, or training hard for something specific - just remember, your body doesn’t always need to be pushed. Sometimes, it just needs to be heard.
So, here’s a small challenge (or rather, permission) for you this weekend:
Pick one day to intentionally rest.
Don’t train. Don’t stretch. Don’t tick boxes.
Go for a slow, no-pressure walk. Soak in a warm bath. Lie on your back, feet up the wall, and just… breathe.
And yes, eat the Easter eggs. Enjoy the Sunday home cooked meals. You don’t always need to be your “best self.” Sometimes the real magic happens when we give ourselves a little grace - and reconnect with the things that bring joy.
This is how we start to ground ourselves.
This is part of healing. And this is the kind of foundation we’re building together:
Slowly. Intentionally. From the ground up.
Love, Dani
