3 Healthful Tips to Make Your Rest Day Actually Restful
Rest days aren’t just about skipping workouts—they’re about giving your body and mind the recovery they need. But let’s be real: how often do we say we’re “resting” while scrolling our phones, skipping meals, or stressing about the next day?
Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or simply trying to maintain a balanced lifestyle, making the most of your rest days can have a huge impact on how you feel and perform. If your rest days aren’t leaving you refreshed, Danielle (one of our amazing Root’d Athletes) has three simple but powerful tips to help you recover the right way—so you can come back stronger, recharged, and ready to take on whatever comes next!
1. Rest Day Doesn't Mean No Movement
Taking a break doesn’t mean becoming a couch potato (though relaxing has its place too). Instead, think of rest days as an opportunity for intentional movement that supports recovery rather than drains your energy.
Try:
Light stretching or yoga to release tension and ease muscle stiffness.
A slow outdoor walk for fresh air and circulation, and a mental reset.
Mobility work to keep your joints happy and injury-free.
Gentle movement keeps your body feeling loose and limber without overexerting it.
2. Don’t Turn Rest Day Into a “Forget-to-Eat” Day
Just because you're not working out doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need fuel. Skipping meals can leave you feeling sluggish, and your muscles still need nutrients to recover. Keep your energy levels balanced with:
Protein to support muscle repair and recovery.
Anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, berries, and turmeric to aid in reducing soreness.
Hydration— Electrolytes help replenish what’s lost and keep you feeling refreshed!
Root’d is a great way to support hydration while also getting 25 essential vitamins and minerals—without the added sugar or unhealthy ingredients found in many other supplements.
Skipping meals or neglecting hydration can leave you feeling sluggish instead of restored. Proper nourishment ensures that your body actually benefits from the recovery process.
3. Give Your Brain a Break, Too
Rest days aren’t just about your muscles—they're also a chance to step away from stress and recharge mentally. Make it a true reset by incorporating:
Phone-free time—step away from the constant notifications and endless scrolling to reduce screen fatigue and be more present.
Extra sleep— to help your body repair and boost overall well-being.
Breathwork or meditation— even five minutes can calm your nervous system and improve relaxation.
The goal is to wake up feeling recharged, not like you wasted the day on endless distractions.
The Takeaway
Rest days should work for you, not leave you feeling groggy, stiff, or under-fueled. A little movement, mindful nutrition, and real mental downtime can turn your rest day into the recovery your body actually needs.
So, how do you spend your rest days? Let us know in the comments! And if you're looking for an easy way to stay hydrated while you recover, check out Root’d—packed with vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to help you feel your best.
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