Rest Right: Spirit, Soul, and Body

October has arrived, and with it a reminder that even as the year moves quickly, your goals are still valid. Whether they were set on January 1st or just this month, God’s grace is available to help you live well — not just for longevity, but for quality. In this month’s Tête-à-Tête with Dr. O, the focus was on a timeless but often neglected topic: rest. True rest goes beyond sleep; it involves caring for your spirit, soul, and body.

Rest for the Spirit

Your spirit is the core of who you are, and nurturing it brings lasting peace. Dr. O shared four ways to experience spiritual rest:

Daily Prayer Check-Ins
Prayer doesn’t have to be confined to morning devotion or a quiet corner. It’s an ongoing conversation with God: “Lord, thank You. Lord, help me. Lord, give me strength.” These short whispers throughout the day remind you that He is near, providing rest and strength moment by moment.
Meditation
Your mind often replays “soundtracks” of worry or fear. Meditation allows you to change the playlist — to focus on God’s Word, past victories, and His promises. This shift in mental soundtrack invites peace and clarity.
Worship Breaks
Whether on-key or off-key, worship refreshes the spirit. A simple song, a hum, or music playing in the background can lift your heart and draw you closer to God.
Physical Rest
True spiritual rest is connected to the body as well. Taking a day to pause, sleep well, and reflect on God’s presence keeps you grounded in His peace.

Rest for the Soul

The soul — your mind, emotions, and will — also needs intentional care. Dr. O highlighted these practices:

Gratitude Journaling
Writing down what you’re thankful for trains your soul to remember God’s goodness. On tough days, flipping back reminds you how far you’ve come.
Mind Detox
Bad news sells, but you don’t need to consume everything. Protect your mental space by limiting negativity and filling your mind with what is good and uplifting.
Breathing Practices
Shallow breathing is common during stressful days. Practicing deep breathing restores calm and helps regulate emotions.
Healthy Boundaries
Learn to say no when necessary — whether to toxic conversations, overcommitments, or distractions. Boundaries protect your emotional health and create space for what truly matters.

Rest for the Body

The body is the vessel you live in; caring for it makes rest more complete.

Prioritize Sleep
Quality sleep allows the brain to reset and rejuvenate. Shut off screens early, jot down lingering thoughts, and give your body permission to rest fully.
Move Daily
Movement doesn’t always mean structured workouts. Dance, walk during phone calls, hula hoop, or play with your kids — just move!
Eat Foods That Fuel
Notice how food makes your body feel, not just how it tastes. Aim for at least one fruit and one vegetable in natural form at every meal.
Hydrate Often
Water is essential, but if plain water is hard for you, try adding plant-based enhancers or enjoy water-rich fruits like cucumbers, watermelon, or cantaloupe.

A Final Encouragement

Rest is not laziness — it is wisdom. By caring for your spirit, soul, and body, you position yourself to live well, to enjoy God’s presence, and to pursue your goals with renewed energy.

As Dr. O reminded us: “Receive grace. Receive strength for the new month. You can do it.”

Let October be your fresh start. Take one practice from each category and begin today — your future self will thank you.