Restorative Rest vs. Escapist Rest: How to Actually Recharge This Winter

Winter naturally slows us down. The days are shorter, our energy dips, and our nervous systems look for quieter rhythms. But unfortunately, many of us are not so well-versed in the art of rest. So, we fall into the default to what might feel restful but doesn’t actually replenish us, like scrolling, zoning out to a show, oversleeping, or staying busy enough to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

These are examples of escapist rest, which gives temporary relief but rarely leaves us feeling restored.

Restorative rest, on the other hand, is actually intentional. It helps regulate your nervous system, reconnect you to yourself, and rebuild capacity when you’re depleted. Winter is the season where your body needs it most. So if you’re looking to build a practice of this, right on time.

What Escapist Rest Looks Like

Escapist rest often shows up as:

• Mindless scrolling on social media

• Binge-watching tv to numb out

• Constant busyness to avoid emotions

• Oversleeping without feeling restored

• Comfort-seeking habits that don’t actually soothe

To clarify, these activities aren’t “bad.” They have their place, but they don’t truly help you recover. You may feel better for a moment, but the exhaustion returns quickly.

What Restorative Rest Feels Like

Restorative rest:

• Brings your nervous system down from being in overdrive

• Supports emotional clarity

• Creates a sense of grounding

• Leaves you feeling steadier, not checked out

This type of rest doesn’t require a ton of time… just presence.

How to Practice Restorative Rest This Winter

1. Start With Micro-Moments

Even 30 seconds of noticing your breath or unclenching your jaw and softening your shoulders can shift your internal state.

2. Engage Your Senses

Warmth, cozy lighting, soothing scents, or soft textures help the body settle.

3. Take Intentional Digital Breaks

Taking some away from your phone can create space for your nervous system to reset.

4. Notice Your Inner Experience

Ask yourself: “What am I feeling right now?”
And remember that you don’t need to fix or analyze… just acknowledge.

5. Try Monotasking

I recently heard this word for the first time, which is saying something... Try giving your full attention to one simple activity. This steadies the mind and body and is can be a huge change-up to our default of constant multitasking.

Why Restorative Rest Matters

When you practice restorative rest, you’re not avoiding your life (like we sometimes do with escapist rest)… You’re preparing to return to it with clarity. You’re supporting your energy, your emotional capacity, and your ability to make intentional choices.

Restorative rest helps you show up to winter (and to yourself) with more steadiness and less overwhelm.

If Rest Feels Hard, That’s Normal

Rest often brings up guilt, fear, or discomfort. It may challenge old beliefs about productivity or worth. Feeling uneasy doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, it might just mean you’re trying something new.

Gentle practice builds tolerance and in time, it will become more comfortable.

Want Support With Intentional Wintering?

If this resonates, therapy at Havn Therapy Collective can help you build healthier rhythms, understand your emotional needs, and recover from chronic stress and burnout.

✨ Learn more about working with us at the link below.
You don’t have to do this season alone!