If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overstimulated, or unsure why your usual ways of recharging suddenly don’t work anymore, this episode is for you. Autumn opens up about a powerful truth many moms overlook: nothing is wrong with you — you’ve simply changed. And with a new season comes a new need for a different kind of rest.

Drawing from Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith’s framework from Sacred Rest, Autumn walks through the seven types of rest every mom needs to understand, from physical and mental rest to the often-neglected creative and spiritual kinds. She shares personal stories about sleep deprivation, overstimulation, social burnout, emotional holding, and the shift that happens when you finally acknowledge what your mind and body have been asking for.

This episode is a gentle reminder that rest is not a reward at the end of the week. It is a rhythm you build into your life so you can show up with presence, patience, and peace. When your season changes, your rest should too.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why the old ways you used to recharge may no longer work in your current season
• An introduction to the seven types of rest and how moms experience each one daily
• Real examples from Autumn’s life about sleep patterns, overstimulation, and mental load
• How emotional rest can show up as honesty, grief, or dropping the mask
• The importance of identifying whether you need solitude or support
• The role of creativity in restoring your joy and sense of self
• Why spiritual rest matters, including Autumn’s personal reflections on faith and growth
• How to create a simple “rest menu” to help you choose the kind of support you need
• Practical ways to build rest into your day without waiting for burnout

Key Takeaways:

• Rest Evolves With You: When your season changes, your needs change. Rest is meant to adapt, not stay rigid.
• You Need More Than Sleep: Physical rest is just one type. Mental, sensory, emotional, social, creative, and spiritual rest are just as important.
• Overstimulation is Real: Silence, boundaries, and intentional slowing down matter more than ever in motherhood.
• Authenticity Brings Relief: Emotional rest comes from removing the pressure to appear put together.
• Connection Should Be Intentional: Choose relationships that fill rather than drain you, and honor your capacity week by week.
• A Rest Rhythm Prevents Burnout: Rest should be woven into your day, not something you turn to only when you’re depleted.

Resources:

Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith – Sacred Rest

https://autumnakins.com/reclaim

Connect with Me:

Let’s continue the conversation! Follow me on Instagram at @whatautumndoes for more tips, encouragement, and personal reflections on motherhood.
Subscribe & Review:

Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps other moms discover The Motherhood Process and join our growing community.
Join Me Next Week:

Next week, we’re diving into creating intentional routines that simplify life and bring more peace to your home. Don’t miss it!