In a world that glorifies hustle culture, where being busy, stressed, and overworked is seen as a mark of success, I have always found my greatest strength in doing something countercultural—stopping.
For 26 hours every week, I step away from work, social media, emails, and the never-ending to-do list. As a Sabbath-observant Jew, I have always had the gift of a full day of rest built into my life. It is a non-negotiable time when I disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with what truly matters. No phone. No work. No distractions pulling me in a hundred different directions. Instead, I rest, connect, breathe, and reset.
I’ve always enjoyed the pause that Shabbat provides but in my younger years I didn’t fully grasp its depth. Now as I grow both personally and professionally— I see more than ever how essential it is—not just as a pause, but as a profound reset that nourishes my physical, emotional, and mental well-being, fueling every other part of my life.
This has been the greatest act of nervous system regulation I have ever known. It allows me to show up fully present for my family, my patients, my business, and most importantly—myself.
While the Sabbath is deeply spiritual for me, the principle behind it is universal: We all need a break. A real, structured, non-negotiable break.
In a culture that tells us to “grind harder,” We must recognize that the secret to long-term health, resilience, and success isn’t in pushing more—it’s in pressing pause.
The Science of Rest: Why We Need to Unplug to Heal
Our nervous systems are constantly under assault—from the pings of notifications, the pressure to be productive, and the unrelenting exposure to screens. When we never pause, our bodies stay in a chronic state of stress, leading to anxiety, burnout, poor sleep, and even physical pain.
But here’s the truth:
- The most productive people know how to set boundaries around their energy.
- The happiest people are those who prioritize relationships and presence over endless busyness.
- The healthiest people recognize that rest is not indulgence—it’s survival.
Creating a weekly sabbatical, whether spiritual or simply intentional, is one of the greatest acts of self-care we can commit to.
Here’s what I have learned from a lifetime of observing Shabbat—and why everyone, regardless of religion, should build a weekly reset into their lives.
1. Boundaries Protect Your Health and Happiness
One of the greatest lessons I have learned from a lifetime of observing Shabbat is that boundaries are necessary for survival.
For 26 hours, I don’t check my emails. I don’t schedule meetings. I don’t work. And you know what? The world keeps spinning.
But in my home, in my heart, everything slows down.
Before I ever knew the science of nervous system regulation, I was practicing it—simply by following the rhythm of my faith. And as I have grown older, I have realized that this sacred boundary is what allows me to be a better business owner, a more present partner, a dedicated mother and grandmother, and a healthier person.
Even if you’re not religious, I encourage you to create a boundary around your time. Pick a day—or even just a few hours—where your phone goes off, your email stays closed, and your attention belongs only to the things that truly matter.
2. Digital Detoxing is a Game-Changer
Every Friday at sundown, I put my phone away. I don’t scroll, I don’t answer texts, I don’t watch the news. And in its place? Peace. Presence. Clarity.
It’s shocking how much social media and constant notifications pull us away from our own lives. I see it happening everywhere—at family dinners, in conversations, even in moments that should be sacred.
Shabbat has given me the gift of real, uninterrupted connection. No distractions, no half-listening, no mindless scrolling. And every week, I feel refreshed, grounded, and re-centered.
Imagine one day without screens—a full detox from the constant stimulation. I promise, your nervous system will thank you.
3. Time for Relationships is Essential
The world moves fast. People get busy But Shabbat stops time.
For one day a week, I am fully present with my loved ones. We share meals. We talk—really talk. We laugh. We listen. And we do it all without rushing.
Shabbat also creates sacred time for community—. Being surrounded by a supportive, like-minded community brings comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging that is vital for emotional well-being.
Connection is medicine. It regulates the nervous system, reduces stress, and reminds us what truly matters.
Regardless of faith, everyone should carve out time for deep, meaningful connection. Not rushed. Not squeezed in between work and deadlines. Real, uninterrupted time.
4. Busyness is NOT a Badge of Honor
Somewhere along the way, we started equating stress with success. We act like if we’re not overwhelmed, we’re not doing enough.
I’ve learned that true success isn’t about how much you accomplish—it’s about how much you can sustain.
Shabbat has taught me that rest is productive. When I take time to pause, I come back stronger, clearer, and more effective.
If you want to build nervous system resilience, you have to stop treating exhaustion as an achievement. Instead, prioritize renewal.
5. Create Your Own Weekly Reset
You don’t have to be Sabbath-observant to benefit from the wisdom of structured rest. You just have to be willing to set boundaries, unplug, and prioritize what truly matters.
Here’s my challenge to you:
✅ Pick a day (or even just a few hours) to unplug from work, screens, and distractions.
✅ Prioritize connection—share a meal, have real conversations, be present.
✅ Spend time in nature, breathe deeply, move your body.
✅ Give yourself permission to rest—without guilt.
As a pelvic health and wellness physical therapist, I know that long-term healing in the body is impossible without nervous system resilience. If we cannot tap into the rest-digest-repair state of the nervous system, our bodies stay in survival mode, blocking deep healing. These simple yet powerful strategies help build a more resilient nervous system—one that supports both optimal health and long-term recovery.
This is not indulgence. This is survival.
If you want to thrive—not just get by—start making rest a priority. Because when you stop running, when you truly reset—that’s where healing begins.
