Sunshine or sofa? Fresh air or fresh sheets? The struggle is real. You’ve been inside all day, and a voice in your head says, You should really go outside. But another part of you—curled up under a blanket—whispers back, Or… we could just stay right here?
Sound familiar? That internal back-and-forth—I should go outside vs. I could just rest—is common when you're feeling tired or burnt out. But how do you know which one your body actually needs? Should you push yourself out the door for fresh air, or is rest the better call?
Knowing the difference can be tricky, but tuning into your own signals can help.
5 Signs You Need to Rest
Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about giving your body and mind the 7 types of rest they need. If you’re experiencing these signs, prioritising rest might be the better choice:
- You feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel wiped, you might need a different kind of rest. (Check out our blog on the 7 types of rest to see what you’re missing.)
- Your body feels heavy or sore That dragging, weighted-down feeling isn’t laziness; it’s your body telling you to slow down.
- Your mind feels foggy Struggling to focus or process simple tasks? Mental fatigue is just as real as physical exhaustion.
- You’re getting sick more often A run-down body is more susceptible to colds, headaches, and general aches.
- You’ve been pushing yourself non-stop If you’ve had a string of busy days, working out, socialising, or tackling a long to-do list, rest is probably what you need most.
If any of these sound familiar, don’t feel rest-guilt and push yourself into getting outside—give yourself permission to rest.
5 Signs You Need to Get Outside
On the flip side, sometimes what feels like tiredness is actually just a case of needing a dose of fresh air or movement. If any of these resonate, fresh air might be the solution:
- You feel irritable or restless Ever notice how you feel better after stepping outside? Nature is proven to reduce cortisol and has a way of calming the nervous system and shifting your mood. (Here’s why spending time outside is so good for you.)
- You keep reaching for your phone Scrolling aimlessly? It’s often a sign that your brain is craving stimulation—time outside can help reset your focus.
- You’re struggling with motivation If even small tasks feel impossible, movement (especially outdoors) can break that cycle and boost dopamine levels.
- You’re getting headaches or feeling sluggish A lack of fresh air and natural light can lead to brain fog. Getting outside—even for 10 minutes—can wake you up.
- You haven’t been outside in over 24 hours If you can’t remember the last time you stepped out for fresh air, your body (and mind) will thank you for it.
The Balance: Listening to Your Body
The key is learning to recognise what your body is actually asking for. If you’re feeling mentally and physically drained, rest is your best bet. If you’re feeling sluggish but wired, or restless and unmotivated, a walk outside could be the reset you need.
Still feeling tired all the time? It might be worth checking out this blog on why that happens and how to fix it.
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is listen—because your body usually knows what it needs, even if your internal monologue is saying otherwise.
