Your Nervous System Needs Regular Downtime, Not Just Your Mind

Mental rest and nervous system rest are not the same thing. You can lie on the couch scrolling your phone and feel mentally checked out while your nervous system stays fully activated. True downtime means low stimulation: dim light, quiet surroundings, slow breathing, no screens. Think of it like letting a revving engine idle. Without regular downtime, your baseline arousal creeps up and recovery becomes harder. Schedule it like you'd schedule exercise.