A movement known as “sleepmaxxing” has taken Gen Z by storm as young people are struggling with burnout, anxiety, and being overwhelmed with life.
Sleepmaxxing entails a means in which people can optimize quality and quantity, including white noise machines, sleep trackers, magnesium gummies, mouth taping, and “sleepy girl mocktails,” another way to attain rest. Although it may sound good, at the same time, there is the risk of becoming overly dependent on these means rather than learning to try to have a good sleep schedule; otherwise, it would leave people restless. According to experts, there is also the use of things that may do more harm than good, such as using nostril expanders or taking supplements without medical guidance.
As Christians, we must observe this latest trend with the following question: What does true Sabbath rest look like for young believers facing burnout, emotional fatigue, and digital overload?
Why Is Self-Examination Important to Rest?
I would say that self-examination would be one step to consider because it will allow one to see where they are, what has been serving them, and what has not. If something does not benefit one’s well-being, then it is best to let it go. And we are seeing a generation of young people driven by a performance mentality, where they must do something to feel like they are worth something. However, the problem is that it results in burnout and dissatisfaction because there is more to chase. The same applies to dealing with technology; there is a vast amount of content online, with new content being uploaded each day. After a while, it becomes exhausting to keep up.
In addition to examining what is detrimental, looking at how one can find rest is also good. Despite all the means people use to sleep, the foundational principle for sleep is learning to have a proper sleep schedule. In other words, go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time each day. Getting that discipline done is important to have something to follow through on. When it comes to getting ready for bed, it is important to shut off or put away electronics at least one hour before bed because the light would only keep you awake. Concurrently, a good sleep schedule goes hand in hand with a good morning schedule where you can wake up at a good time and establish a morning routine including going for a run, lifting weights at the gym, spending time with the Lord in Scripture reading and prayer, and so forth.
In short, discipline is essential in managing whatever burdens one may be facing in life. If one's life has no order, then stress will ensue. It is no surprise when we hear that adulting is hard because it is definitely challenging, especially when one decides to get married and have children. Time becomes so limited during these seasons, so accommodation is a must if you want to take care of yourself. Self-examination is self-care because it gives you the space to see where you’re at in life, remove what is detrimental, and add what is beneficial to your well-being.
What Is Sabbath?
As we read in the Bible, the seventh day of the week is also known as the Sabbath, which is taken after God ceased His work on creation on the seventh day and rested (Genesis 2:3). Moreover, God commanded Israel to keep the Sabbath during the giving of the 10 Commandments.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” - Exodus 20:8-11
Although people are not saved by keeping the Sabbath, which applies to the Mosaic covenant as opposed to the new covenant with the church, it is a nice way for people to set aside a day for rest. Many people lack this because they always feel like they have to work all the time. It is a gentle reminder that we are human and we need rest. Overworking is a real thing that can affect one both mentally and spiritually.
Christ Is Our True Sabbath
Moreover, our true sabbath goes beyond a day of the week because true rest is in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Through His sacrifice for our sins, He has caused us to be born again and reconciled us to a Holy God. We are now clothed in His righteousness, so when God sees us, He sees Christ, who is blameless since He lived a perfect life without sin.
And now He gives us rest, a rest that exceeds far beyond physical rest. One of the most beautiful passages in all of scripture, where Jesus says
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
In context, Jesus was discussing how He ultimately provides rest that exceeds one trying to attain salvation through their own works, including the religious legalistic works imposed by the Pharisees. Rather than imposing more work, Christ offers rest for the weary soul. It is a rest that can never be offered by this world, nor is it something we can give to ourselves. Additionally, Christ gives us rest from sin since He forgives us of them and takes on our struggles. In a world that upholds busyness, let us be like Mary instead of Martha, as we sit at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).
Another word of encouragement comes through Augustine of Hippo in his most well-known words, “You have made us for Yourself. Our hearts are restless until they find rest in Him.” What a comforting quote this is as we recognize that we were made for God and that He gives us rest for our restless hearts. To have rest is to know God. In John 17:3, Jesus says, “and this is eternal life, that they may know You and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Want rest from this weary generation, come to know God. For the unsaved, they will never have rest until they turn to Him. For the saved, it is a beautiful reminder that He is our true rest in a restless world, for there is no one else like Him! It is something we must be mindful of each day because it is so easy to become restless apart from Him. Yet that restlessness is evident that we need that rest that only He provides. Let us rest in that truth today.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Elsa Olofsson
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