This article is one of several concerning the importance of Mental Health and Christianity, researched and written by Mrs. Andrina Jordan (MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS). For more information about her practice, visit 712 Q.A.C.C. Counseling For The Soul, LLC.

Much too often people dismiss the importance of resting. We are always on the go. Juggling children, work, church, friends, school, caring for elderly parents, etc. No matter, it never seems to be enough time in a day. So we push ourselves to keep going day after day until we are exhausted and our bodies just can’t take anymore. Eventually, giving into a state of slumber. We would be so much better off if we just listened to our bodies. Our body tells us exactly what it needs.

How ironic is it that our body tells us what it needs. Well, if you think about it, it’s not really that surprising. In Mark 2:27 KJV, Jesus tells the Pharisees, “. . . The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:” This lets us know that God saw there was a need for man’s body to rest. Jesus also models this for us in the story of creation.

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:2 KJV

Not only does the Lord say we should rest on the seventh day but he also states that we should not do any work at all, total rest.

“Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye
shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.” Leviticus 23:3 KJV

Many people probably can’t imagine what it would be like to engage in a day of total rest. No household chores, grocery shopping, yard work, or working overtime at the job. How peaceful and relaxing would that be? Sound too good to be true? Not really. It just takes a little acceptance, adjusting, and discipline. Trust me, your mind and body will thank you for it! Interestingly enough, God also instructs us to allow the land to rest. This gives the land an
opportunity to replenish the minerals and nutrients in the soil. Which in turn produce healthier
crops.

“But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.” Leviticus 25:4 KJV

If this simple act of rest can do this for the land. Imagine what adequate routine rest can do for our bodies. God also instructs us to allow our livestock to rest and anyone who works for us. Everyone and everything on Earth needs time to rejuvenate.

“Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.” Exodus 23:12, KJV

When speaking of rest we often think of sleep. There are so many benefits of sleep, both physical and mental. Proper sleep allows our bodies to heal and repair themselves. Without sufficient sleep, we put ourselves at higher risk of shorter life expectancy and being more susceptible to illness, disease, and mental health conditions.

There are certain mental health disorders that may contribute to sleep problems. Likewise, inadequate sleep can not only increase the risk of the onset of a mental health disorder but it can also exasperate the symptoms of an existing diagnosis. Individuals who suffer from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been found to suffer from sleep problems. People with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) are also at risk of poor sleep due to frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and being hyperalert.

Obstructive sleep apnea often occurs in people with mental health diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar, and major depression which is often coupled with anxiety. About 75% of people who have a diagnosis of depression also report symptoms of insomnia.

Many factors can contribute to poor sleep. It is different for everyone. Here are just a few:

• Stressors such as worries about basic needs like money, food, housing, work, living
  environment
• Starting or stopping prescription medications
• Physical health issues
• Trauma
• Recreational drugs
• Working swing shifts or night shift

How many of these items ring true for you? Maybe none. Maybe you feel that you are getting
adequate sleep. Well, let’s see how you measure up to the general sleep recommendations:

• Newborns: 16-18 hours a day
• Preschool-Aged Children: 11-12 hours a day
• School-Aged Children: At least 10 hours a day
• Teens: 9-10 hours a day
• Adults: 7-8 hours a day

If you find that you are not getting enough sleep here are some things that you can do to help
improve your amount and quality of sleep:

• Create a bedtime routine
• Read 30 minutes prior to bedtime
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine in the evening
• Dim or turn off the lights
• Discontinue use of all electronic devices an hour or more before bedtime
• Make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable; temperature, mattress, pillows, linen, scents, etc.
• Take a bath in Epsom salt
• Lavender scent lotion or linen spray for aroma
• Melatonin and valerian root (Herbal support)
• Chamomile Tea – Warning: Tea is a diuretic. Therefore, you will have to use the restroom. Which can potentially disrupt your sleep. If you want to try this one I would suggest drinking it 1-2 hours prior to bedtime.
• CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Getting adequate sleep offers so many mental health benefits.
• Sharpens attention
• Lowers stress
• Improves memory
• Improves problem-solving skills
• Improves creativity
• Reduces risk of mental health disorders
• Increases life expectancy
  Improves mood

Adequate sleep can be one of many preventative steps to help guard against unwanted mental health conditions. So what better time than now to start investing in a little self-care by getting adequate sleep? After all, God did say that we are supposed to keep the sabbath of rest forever. That includes today. Until the end of time. This shows us that rest is very necessary for the human body.

“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their
generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16, KJV

Go ahead, give yourself a break. Practice giving your body a day of rest. Allow your body to
sleep the recommended number of hours you fall into. Reap the benefits. I dare you. You won’t
regret it! Happy slumbers!

“So the people rested on the seventh day.” Exodus 16:30, KJV