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Why Recovery Days Are a Power Move—Not a Setback

  • Writer: Kris Hansen-Sayles
    Kris Hansen-Sayles
  • Apr 9
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 11



Person in sportswear sits on concrete beside water bottle and towel. "Recovery Day Plan" text on pink. Sunlit, relaxed mood.

The truth about rest, metabolism, and why your body isn’t lazy—it’s healing.


Let’s clear something up: Rest isn’t quitting. It’s strategy.


If you’re anything like me, you’ve been brainwashed by hustle culture.

"Never skip a Monday."

"Train insane or remain the same."

"Push harder, girl!"


Spoiler alert: That’s how you break things. Especially your metabolism.


Here’s the truth your body’s been dying (literally) for you to hear:

Rest days are not a sign of weakness—they’re a secret weapon for healing, hormone balance, and sustainable energy. 


The Science of Rest: Your Body’s Underrated Superpower

When we work out—especially strength training or HIIT—we’re literally creating microtears in our muscles. That’s the point. But here’s where it gets juicy:

The growth doesn’t happen during the workout. It happens during recovery.

During rest, your body:

  • Repairs damaged tissue

  • Balances cortisol (your stress hormone)

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Replenishes glycogen stores

  • Resets your nervous system

  • Supports insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation


You know—all the stuff that actually makes you feel alive again.


Why Most Moms Burn Out Before They See Results

Because we’re trained to believe that if we’re not suffering, we’re not succeeding.


Let’s be honest: you’re already managing a job, a house, tiny humans, aging parents, and maybe trying to drink enough water and pray before bed. Adding punishing workouts every day without recovery is a recipe for hormone chaos.


The result?

➡️ Slowed metabolism

➡️ Constant fatigue

➡️ Weight gain (especially belly fat)

➡️ Poor sleep

➡️ And resentment toward fitness altogether


What Does “Recovery” Actually Look Like?

Let’s break it down Kris-style


Active Recovery (still moving, but gently):

  • Walking (especially outdoors—hello sunshine & Jesus)

  • Gentle stretching or yoga

  • Foam rolling

  • Mobility work

  • Playing with your kids (not logging steps like a psycho)


Passive Recovery (real rest, sis):

  • SLEEP (yes, 7–9 hours is non-negotiable)

  • Hydration (aim for water before caffeine)

  • Nutrient-dense meals: protein-forward, fiber-first, healthy fats

  • Fasting 12–16 hours so your body isn’t constantly digesting

  • Zero guilt about not “crushing it” today


Faith-Based Reality Check: Even God Rested on Day 7

You’re not weak because you need rest. You’re wise. And scripturally sound.

Rest is holy. Healing is sacred.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

You don’t earn your worth by running yourself into the ground. You already have it. Now let’s support your body like it’s a temple, not a task list.


The Protocol + Recovery = Power Combo

When you honor rest and fuel your body right, the magic happens:

  • Fasting keeps insulin low so your body can repair

  • Protein and fiber help rebuild muscles and stabilize blood sugar

  • No snacking means you give your metabolism a break

  • Avoiding seed oils and processed foods reduces inflammation

  • Your body can finally shift into healing mode, not hustle mode


You’ll recover faster, sleep better, and actually feel like doing the next workout.


Stop skipping rest. Start healing. Reclaim your metabolism.


Ready to reset instead of burnout?

  1. Follow me on socials for no-fluff wellness tips:👉 Instagram👉 TikTok

  2. Grab my free Insulin Resistance Cheat Codes:💌 Download it here

  3. **When you’re ready to feel like yourself again, check out the protocol that helps your body actually recover:🌿 The Feel Great System

 
 
 

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