Rest on Purpose: Reclaiming Health for Sensitive and Neurodivergent Nervous Systems by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

Many of us grew up in systems that didn’t honor rest.
Rest was often only permitted after burnout, illness, or complete depletion.
We were taught that it had to be earned, often at the cost of our well-being.

For sensitive and neurodivergent people, that mindset can be deeply harmful.

We experience life more intensely.
We process more stimuli, feel emotions more deeply, and often push through overwhelm in silence.
When rest is treated as optional, we increase the risk of chronic fatigue, severe burnout, and long-term health challenges.

Rest is not a luxury. It is a strategy for well-being.

Rest helps us restore balance to the nervous system.
It protects our mental and physical health.
It reconnects us with our capacity to thrive.

Whether it is five minutes, a full day, or an entire week
Choosing rest is choosing health.

What Kind of Rest Nourishes You?

There are many types of rest
Mental
Emotional
Physical
Spiritual

The kind that restores you might look different from what it does for someone else.

I recently asked members of our Sensitive Empowerment Community to share what feels truly restorative.
Their answers became a beautiful collective resource
A library of restful ideas

Reading their reflections felt like a collective exhale.
I was moved by the intentionality, gentleness, and creativity in each person’s approach to rest.

I love how our community continues to inspire me and each other.
These rituals are not only soothing
They are deeply affirming of our unique needs.

If you are exploring what rest means for you
Let these insights be gentle invitations
Little sparks of inspiration
A reminder that your body and spirit are worth listening to

A Library of Restful Rituals by the Sensitive and Neurodivergent

Corner Sanctuary for Restorative Yoga

“I have a foam mattress in the corner of my room for meditation and yoga. It is my sacred space. Restorative yoga helps me wind down. Blanket over me, eye pillow on, noise-cancelling headphones. Sometimes I just breathe, sometimes I listen to music. It works wonders.”

The Forest, Real or Imagined

“When I need rest, I go to a nearby forest and sit at the base of a fir tree. But since I cannot always go, I painted my bedroom a deep forest green and filled it with nature photos. I lie on my bed in my forest room and feel connected to nature. I feel such gratitude.”

A Cozy Chair and Birdsong Stillness

“I sit in my favorite cozy chair with a heat pad behind my back and a warm soft blanket on my lap. I listen to your bird sounds podcast (Season 1, Episode 15) with my eyes closed, doing 4-2-7 breathing. Sometimes I look at flower photos. I am learning to fully enjoy the stillness.”

Weighted Eye Mask and Zen Music

“If I had taken time for myself years ago, I would have done this sooner. I lay on my bed with a warm vibrating eye mask and Zen music in my earbuds. It is simple but it resets everything for me.”

Golden Hour on the Deck

“I love sitting on my deck in the evening, listening to birds and watching the leaves sway. I have started journaling outside during golden hour. The light is magical and it helps my mind and body relax.”

Learning to Let It Be Easy

If rest feels unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or even guilt-inducing, you are not alone. Many of us have internalized the belief that our value is tied to productivity. But rest does not mean you are lazy. It means you are listening to your body.

It takes time to unlearn the habit of rushing and begin honoring your energy needs. Start gently. Even five minutes a few times a day of intentional stillness can help slow down your internal nervous system “motor” and allow your system to find calm.

Rest gives our overstimulated nervous systems time to recalibrate. It lowers stress hormones, restores our energy, and allows us to process the world in a way that does not overwhelm us.

There is no one-size-fits-all. Try different kinds of rest, such as movement, stillness, nature, softness, or solitude, and notice what feels good.

What Rest Looks Like for You

I would love to hear from you. What kind of rest supports your nervous system? What does true restoration feel like in your body, heart, or mind? Share in the comments below!

Let’s keep building this library together. Your story might help someone else give themselves permission to pause and to rest on purpose.

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If you’re looking for gentle, practical support for your sensitive or neurodivergent nervous system, I invite you to explore my self-paced course, The Sensitive Person’s Toolbox. Created specifically for sensitive and neurodivergent people, this course offers daily tools and suggestions to help regulate your nervous system and promote better health and well-being. It’s what I do for my wellness!

It’s designed to be calm, supportive, and easy to navigate at your own pace, without feeling overwhelmed.

Enrollment also includes 8 weeks of free access to the Sensitive Empowerment Community, where you’ll find connection, encouragement, and support from others who truly understand what it’s like to live as a sensitive and neurodivergent person.

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Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She is known for developing innovative, easy-to-implement tools that help balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and empower individuals to excel in their unique talents. Julie has created a global hub of support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. Her passion is helping to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

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