Nervous System Reset: The Role of Rest and Recovery in Lasting Health

In a world that celebrates hustle, it can feel strange, even uncomfortable, to slow down. But here’s the truth: if you want to feel strong, energized, and capable in your 40s and 50s, rest and recovery aren’t luxuries. They’re essential.

Many women come to me frustrated. They’re doing “all the right things”, working out hard, eating well, staying consistent, but they still feel exhausted, sore, or stuck. Often, the missing piece isn’t more effort. It’s less stress on the body and more attention to the nervous system.

When we live in constant “go mode,” our sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight response) is always switched on. Over time, this drains energy, disrupts sleep, and even makes fat loss harder. Recovery practices help activate the parasympathetic system, the calm, restorative state where your body can actually repair, digest, and rebuild.

The good news? Recovery doesn’t mean sitting still for days. Think of it as intentional balance. Walks in nature, gentle yoga, stretching or meditation are low-impact ways to move your body while calming your nervous system. These practices reduce inflammation, lower cortisol, and help your muscles recover so you can come back stronger.

If you’ve been pushing harder and harder without the results you want, consider this your permission to step back. Rest isn’t a setback, it’s where the magic happens. Your body needs both challenge and recovery to thrive.

This month, try adding one restorative practice into your week and notice how your energy, mood, and workouts improve. Trust me, giving your nervous system the reset it needs might just be the missing link in your health journey.