Microbiome Moment: Changing It Up to Slow Down: Why Rest Matters for Your Gut

Hi friend, 

When you think about “getting healthy,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? A new supplement? Removing certain food groups? Another high-intensity workout?

For the longest time, that was my list, too. I was running on all cylinders, convinced that more effort equaled better results.

But I’ve learned something profound, both in my nursing career and now as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner: true wellness isn’t just about what you add in…it’s also about what you let go of. Oone of the most powerful, yet most overlooked, pillars of health is simply this: slowing down. 

Your Body Needs You to Rest

We often wear “busy” as a badge of honor, but our nervous systems pay the price. When we’re constantly in “go” mode, our bodies are flooded with stress hormones like cortisol. This might help you power through a to-do list, but over time, it takes a real toll.

Here’s what happens when you’re always on the move:

• Your digestion suffers (the body can’t optimally break down food when it thinks it’s running from a threat).
• Your sleep quality plummets.
• Inflammation rises.
• Your mood and resilience wear thin.

Rest isn’t lazy. It’s essential. (It's taken me years to undo this thought process that rest is lazy. If this is you too- know its possible to change this mindset! Rest is restorative) It’s when your body repairs cells, consolidates memories, recharges your energy, and yes, even balances your gut. That “rest and digest” state is a real, physiological necessity for healing. 

Microbiome Mom Micro-Moments

You don’t need a week-long silent retreat to reap the benefits (though wouldn’t that be nice?). The magic is in the micro-moments. I challenge you to gift yourself with just one intentional, slow moment each day. It’s not another task to check off; it’s an invitation to come back to yourself.

This could look like:

• Sitting with your morning coffee and just… staring out the window for five full minutes.
• Taking three deep, slow breaths before you walk in the door after work.
• Feeling the warm water on your hands while you wash dishes, without rushing.
• Putting your phone down and simply watching your kids play, without distraction.

These small pauses are like hitting the reset button for your nervous system. They signal safety to your body, which in turn supports better digestion, calmer moods, and clearer thinking.

Over the weekend, I found myself rushing through dinner cleanup and bathtime. I was already thinking about the weekly to dos, emails and events. I stopped, took a breath, and let my kids help bring their dishes up and spray and wipe the table. I turned a boring chore into laughter and connection. There ended up being quite a lot of spray on the table haha. That is the power of slowing down! It allows your body to feel safe, supported, and well.

How Does Rest Impact the Gut? 

Your microbiome thrives when you’re in rest-and-digest mode! Stress hormones like cortisol can shift the balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to symptoms like bloating, constipation, food sensitivities and more. Each time you pause and take a moment to regulate your nervous system, you’re not just helping your mind, you’re helping your whole body!

A Reminder for Us All

Choosing small rhythms that make life feel calmer and more sustainable is the way to go. Slow mornings, deeper breaths, laughter around the table, these matter just as much as what’s on your plate. These small pauses are like hitting the "reset" button for your nervous system. They signal safety to your body, which in turn supports better digestion, calmer moods, and clearer thinking.

If you’re ready for simple, practical ways to support your gut and nervous system together, my FREE 5-Day Gut Rescue Plan is a great place to start. Grab it here! FREE 5-Day Gut Rescue Plan

Here’s to slowing down and resting more.

With love and a deep breath,

MaryRose

The Microbiome Mom

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_{Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Nothing in this blog is intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes, and do not forego or delay seeking medical attention based on the information shared in this blog. Please always consider your personal situation and do your own research.}