Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity

Having the privilege of reading a pre-released copy of Sacred Rest has been life-changing for me. I never realized there was more to rest than just sleeping or slowing down a bit to catch my breath. Sacred Rest will transform your life because you will be able to put into use right away a variety of practical ways to rest your body, mind, emotions, senses, spirit, soul, and in relationships and creativity. Sacred Rest is for those who are exhausted from doing life at break-neck speed and needing to shift down the gears to the level of "Being" in life! I know too often I am so focused on "doing" that I forget how to be okay with "being" in life. God calls us to "be still and know that I am God." Dr.Saundra Dalton-Smith captures the essence of how to Be in life in the midst of the chaos that surrounds us daily. I personally loved in Sacred Rest how Dr. Saundra helped me think outside the box about rest and realize there are many facets to rest that I need to give myself permission to carry out for my own well being. As a Christian Counselor, I will be recommending to my clients this book along with Dr. Saundra's "Rest Quiz" on her website ichoosemybestlife.com.

As the back cover of Sacred Rest says, "Staying busy is easy, Staying well rested--now there's a challenge." In our modern world today, how true are these words for you? Saundra Dalton-Smith is not only a medical doctor, she is a mom to two boys, a busy wife, and carries several other roles like many women today. Sacred Rest is written from the point of view of someone who understands what it is like to be tired and in need of rest. Yet, Dalton-Smith also shares how she looked to God to help her and those of us who read her book to find the rest we need. She purposely wrote the book with short chapters so that you can read it in bits and pieces to fit it into your schedule and then take the time to apply it to your life. In part 1, "Why Rest?" Dalton-Smith help you understand different types of rest so that you can see which ones that you need the most. In the second section, "The Gifts of Rest," she discusses the spiritual aspects of rest in 12 areas of your life. In the third part, she shares "The Promises of Rest." There is also a "Personal Rest Deficit Assessment Tool" and access to an on-line tool called the "Thirty-Day Sacred Rest Challenge." Sacred Rest offers a lot of good solid information from someone who has clearly lived a busy life, who understands the importance of rest as both a woman and a doctor, and someone who wants to help the reader live a better life. I found a lot of helpful advice and encouragement within this book. I thought the author wrote at a level that the reader could clearly relate to and understand. While I did read the book straight through for this review, I would encourage readers to break it up and read it more slowly, journaling along the way to discover how to best make life changes leading to a more restful life. I received Sacred Rest from FaithWords/Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.

Many of us are aware we need more rest, but even if we allow ourselves permission to rest, I’m not sure we know or remember how to get meaningful rest. You see, resting well means more than just vegging out in front of the television or computer. It’s also not as easy as logging an extra hour or two of sleep. Luckily, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has taken her own personal burnout, as well as her experiences treating exhausted patients, added some research, and healthy doses of spirituality and encouragement to write a guide book of sorts, Sacred Rest. I can’t think of a more universally needed book right now than Sacred Rest. It’s especially auspicious that Sacred Rest was released last month and is being promoted right now. With each new January, folks examine their lives, trying to find ways that they can do something better and more productively (work, success, money and investments) or squeeze in more of this or that into their day. Or maybe they are looking to do something less (destructive habits like overeating, being sedentary, drinking to excess, smoking, etc). Either way, I’ll wager they rarely think about rest. Since by now many well-meaning individuals have already reneged on their promises to themselves, hopefully they are finding their way to Sacred Rest and discovering there is another way – a better way. Dr. Dalton-Smith (a doctor of internal medicine) uses the first part of Sacred Rest to examine rest through a practical lens using anecdotes and research to explain each of seven kinds of rest – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative – guiding readers through self-evaluation and application with each succinct chapter. In Sacred Rest‘s second part, Dalton-Smith looks at rest through spiritual eyes, showing us twelve gifts of rest (boundaries, reflection, freedom, and acceptance to name a few). I hadn’t considered it until now, but it’s no accident that there are more gifts of rest than types of rest. Finally, in part three of Sacred Rest, Dr. Dalton-Smith invites us to join her off the page in a free 30-day Sacred Rest challenge. This is key. She’s aware that our journey into discovering the why (the value) and the how (the personal application) of rest has not ended with our turning the last page of her book. Rather, we have only just begun. And thankfully, she’s willing to be our friend and guide us with daily tips and affirmations in our inbox. I signed up immediately, and I invite you to join us at ichoosemybestlife.com Dalton-Smith understand her readers. She purposely keeps her chapters brief, but warns that we shouldn’t rush through the book. Rather, we should take it one bit at a time. Here she helps us break our ingrained notions of life being a race. She quiets our urge to find a quick fix, and reminds us to take our time. She even gives her readers permission to break the unwritten rules and read part two of the book first if that feels better. Furthermore, her two-pronged approach – practical and spiritual – will help every unique mindset find solid footing and a happy place to land. Verdict:5 of 5 Hearts. Refuge for Your Unrest: Not Just Recommended — Required Reading! Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s Sacred Rest shows us why resting is not optional, but essential. A life well-rested will lead to a life well-lived.

I have read several books about rest in the last year or two. This is the first one that spoke to me right where I am. It wasn’t really about the author’s perspective of herself like so many other books about rest are. She talks to YOU. She wants you to hear her, right where you are. I love the Rest Quiz and other resources she offers to figure out where you are deficient so you can move forward. The way she breaks down the seven different kinds of rest gave me a new perspective that felt very manageable. I’m signed up for the 30 day rest challenge so I can start putting some of these great thoughts into action. I've already started recommending to friends who can benefit from this. I know a lot of moms just like me who need to hear this message. Thanks to Netgalley.com who gave me a copy in exchange for my review.

Sacred Rest just might be the most beneficial book I’ve read in a long time. If you enjoy non-fiction, this is one you should definitely pick up. And if you don’t read much non-fiction, this is still a book you should invest your time in. Sacred Rest is not theology, and shouldn’t be held to that standard, but rather a book that speaks to the whole person – physical, emotional, and spiritual. While targeted more toward women, it’s a book everyone would find enriching. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a gifted communicator, engaging writer, loving mom, and committed Christian. As a medical doctor, she is well qualified in sharing her thoughts and experiences, and her writing is grounded in Scripture. Her style is conversational and real – so real, in fact, that I wouldn’t have been surprised to look up from my book and see her across the room from me, for I often felt she was speaking directly to me. The author delves deeply into the concept of rest, exploring areas and concepts that, while totally new to me, make complete sense. When I think of how often I’ve awaken, still tired after a good night’s sleep, I can see that sleep does not necessarily equate to feeling rested. I love this quote from page 8: “Sleep is solely a physical activity. Rest, however, penetrates into the spiritual. Rest speaks peace into the daily storms your mind, body, and spirit encounter. Rest is what makes sleep sweet.” In short, easy-to-manage chapters, the author explores the seven different types of rest that our often burned-out bodies require – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative – followed by the gifts of each. I’ve learned so much already, especially in understanding that the specific area in which we’ve exerted energy needs the corresponding type of rest. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to take in and am eager to go back and read in depth. What I like best about this book is how the physical and spiritual are linked together, as they should be. My thanks to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith for sharing her thoughts. Highly recommended. I was provided a copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I'm not a big fan of non-fiction books. They tend to lose my interest almost immediately. This book was, well, just about one of those books. I pushed on, though, and finished the book, despite it being difficult to hold my attention. This is, in all honesty, a good book for those that are seeking to find some sort of relief and relaxtion in their life. Dr. Dalton-Smith did well to put the book together to break down the areas of rest and where people need to focus on slowing down. She added some scripture to the pages, along with some of her own accounts. That all said, I was able to finish the book. Did I enjoy the book? No. Not really. Did the author have a good writing style? Of course. Why then, didn't I 'enjoy' the book? Because it's a non-fiction book and I tend to have a hard time with them,no matter how well written and thought out, or researched they are. Despite that, I still recommend this book. The author's accounts, the scripture, the broken down way of explaining the why and the how to rest for a more functionable lifestyle, is well written and would be beneficial to those who seek this in their life. So, if you want a book that will help you in a difficult time in your life, or if you are just feeling "too busy" in life and need a breather, then I do suggest you get this well written, 3.5 star book. It's just not a book that I would keep on my shelf, personally. *Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

The author’s writing style is engaging, and her examples are easy to relate to. She has been there too – in desperate need of rest – and her experience shines through in her words. But her love of God shines through even more. And tying the need for rest to our relationship with God elevates Sacred Rest (the book and the concept) above a typical self-help book. Instead, these truths here – if applied – can revolutionize your walk with God as well as every other area of your life. If you are burned out… if you find it impossible to say no … if you don’t remember the last time you were simply ‘still’… Sacred Rest needs to be the next book you read! Practical application, Scriptural wisdom, science and research all play a part in Dalton-Smith’s message: we need to become well-rested by intentionally replenishing the areas of our lives that we consistently deplete. Easy to read and encouraging, this is one of the best books on rest I’ve ever read! (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I’m pretty sure the author had me in mind when she wrote this life changing book. I’m the one whose mind goes a million miles an hour. I am always thinking what I need to do next. When my three boys were younger, I was always taking them places, staying up late with projects and worked full time. Some where along the way I forgot about myself and what it means to take a me day We live in a world where everything is fast. We have fast food, fast self service checkouts and now we can even order groceries over the Internet. We rush to get in our car, pick up the groceries that have been packed for us and off we go to the next errand. Our society has lost focus on the truly important things in life, like our mind body and soul. I seemed to work so fast, I found myself exhausted when I got home. Then my next shift started as mom and wife. I slowly over the years began to get colds a lot, feel tired, muscle aches and headaches. Why was I getting sick all the time? The answer lies right here in this book. “Healing occurs when we allow ourselves the time, space, and grace to be in the presence of God in the middle of our busy lives.” When we finally give in and let rest take over, we can relax and get in-tuned with replenishing ourselves, revitalizing ourselves and redirecting our energy. What a rat race I was in. I had forgotten that my mind needs to recharge along with my body . The author has given us wisdom to understand the need for rest. Each chapter gives a topic which has examples and applications you can use to apply to your life. Make sure you check out the Personal Rest Deficit Assessment Tool at the end of the book. It will guide you to areas you need to work on . “You alone can choose your best life. You have to decide to make rest a priority.” I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sacred Rest! I know many of us struggle with the hustle and bustle of daily life, and we can all benefit from a better understanding of genuine rest. Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD combines research with experience, identifying seven areas of rest in which we are deficient and offering insightful solutions for these deficiencies. A wealth of information, Sacred Rest enlightens and encourages readers to embrace the gifts of rest in order to “recover your life, renew your energy, and restore your sanity.” What a wonderful and worthy challenge! I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

In a world where we all seem to be running to and fro and unable to catch ourselves coming or going, rest seems like an unattainable unicorn. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book lets you know that it is possible and even God-ordained. In her book, she shares that rest isn't just about getting enough sleep. We don't just need physical rest but also spiritual and mental rest. In her book, she stresses that rest isn't just about getting more sleep but about slowing down, taking time to reconnect with yourself and learning to enjoy life as God intended. Saundra also discusses the 7 types of rest we need to cultivate in our lives to develop our best self. In addition, the book talks about the gifts we receive when we rest as God intended. Rest is necessary to receive all the blessings of God. She has designed a "Personal Rest Deficit Tool" and has further information, including a "Thirty Day Sacred Rest Challenge" as an online tool. So in a world that pushes you to constantly be on the go, do yourself a favor and take the time to read this book to recover your life, renew your energy and to restore your sanity.

I really think this book spoke to me because the author is a physician so she knows what she is talking about physically as well but it made me realize that rest is ok. Sometimes we push through the tiredness and continue on in our lives and that is not allowing us to perform our best at our abilities. There are several different types of rest and when I looked at all of them emotional, spiritual and physical I realized there were areas I needed to "rest" other than just sleep. I would suggest this book especially if you are having issues not just being tired but not functioning at your best. I took a quiz related to this book and found many interesting things about my "rest" or lack thereof.

I enjoyed this book so much, and found it so helpful, that I bought copies for friends for Christmas. I wasn't really sure what to expect but, being busy and tired during the Christmas season, the title caught my eye. It proved to be much more than I was expecting! Most of us think we are "resting" when we are sleeping. Too many times we think that we don't have time for adequate rest or we may misinterpret setting aside the time as selfish. The author addresses these concerns. If you're like me, you will see yourself in many of the excuses as well as the case studies. This book expands the idea of rest well beyond sleeping, physical stillness, or "down-time." It is divided into short, easy-to-read and understand chapters which explain, give examples of, and encourage self-introspection into physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative rest. While the author writes from an obvious Christian perspective, there is nothing overbearing or nonscientific in her writing. Being a physician, she has witnessed and testifies to evidence and to numerous case studies of consequences of deficiency in the various forms of rest. She actually incorporates scientific/medical evidence to support her claims and observations. Overall. the author does a masterful job in blending the tones of a best friend, your physician, and a spiritual mentor into one helpful conversation and motivational tool. I was especially encouraged by the second half of the book where Dr, Dalton-Smith goes into more details explaining the gifts we receive as we observe a more rested life…gifts including: boundaries, reflection, freedom, acceptance, and productivity. I also like the additional resources including the Personal Rest Deficit Assessment Tool and the link to a Thirty Day Sacred Rest Challenge. I definitely recommend this book for personal study and reflection, self-help, and spiritual growth. Also makes a great gift!

Sacred Rest is for those who are searching for rest of mind, body and spirit. I personally loved Sacred rest because my life is extremely busy with various things and my body needs rest to receive the blessings God has for me. Sacred Rest will transform your life because rest is needed to find the path God has planned for us. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion.

“Once you get a taste of a well-rested life, nothing else will satisfy.” That quote is a nibble of the masterpiece you will feast on in Saundra-Dalton Smith’s book SACRED REST. This is by far the best book on “rest” which I have read! Because of her training as a Doctor plus being a Christian, Dr. Dalton-Smith examines rest from every conceivable angle; spiritual, physical and emotional. Through a well-balanced weaving of her life's stories, substantiated research, and inspired selection of Scriptures, Saundra has created a perfect mix for challenging each reader to find their place of rest. I highly recommend this book as it’s chock full of practical tips and you’ll want to buy ten more for your family and friends, or use it for a book club or Bible Study.

Can’t sleep because your brain won’t shut off? Do you feel overwhelmed because you can’t get it all done? Do you feel guilty because you aren’t meeting everyone’s needs? That was me! And then, I had the opportunity to read Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s latest book, Sacred Rest. What a life changer for me. Not only does Dr. Saundra address the physical issues, but goes even deeper into the spiritual side of the need for various kinds of rest. She led me to a place of connection with God that I had not gone before. You DON’T want to miss reading this book!

Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an enlightening book that explores the importance of rest and how beneficial it can truly be to our lives. This is a book that is sure to resonate with readers who are in search of quality rest in their lives. Before reading this book, I never considered the depth and vital importance of rest. I perceived rest as getting enough sleep so that I could be well rested and equipped to live and perform at a high level. Dr. Saundra has convinced me that there is so much more to rest and it truly is sacred. This book opened my mind and has begun to develop a greater appreciation for rest within me. Dr. Saundra thoroughly examines various types of rest. To name a few, she explores physical, mental, spiritual, social, and creative rest. She shares her personal experiences and struggles with getting necessary rest in each of the vital areas of her life and how it impacted her. One of the things that I found the most value in this book were the lists of signs that readers may be in need of rest. These lists are included for each type of rest. These are sure to be great resources to refer back to. They can help readers identify areas in their life that they’re lacking rest in. This is a very smart book that is centered around a very thought-provoking topic. At the very least, this book can teach readers things about rest that they may not have been aware of. Additionally, Dr. Saundra encourages self-examination so readers can identify their specific needs and take the steps necessary to get the rest they need. This a good read and a very insightful book. I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program and I was not required to write a positive review.