Recharging as We Age: Why Rest Becomes More Important Over Time"

Just like an iPhone running low on battery, our bodies need regular recharging, especially as we age.

A friend recently shared something her therapist told her that really stuck with me. The therapist compared us to iPhones—specifically older models. As we age, just like older phones, our “battery life” runs out more quickly. We need more rest, we take longer to recover, and sometimes we feel like we’re running slower or shutting down unexpectedly. The point was to remind us that, as we get older, we need to recharge more often. We can’t function the way we did in our 20s, running on little sleep and expecting to keep up (though, to be honest, we probably weren’t doing that great back then without proper rest either).

I took this advice to heart and have been making more time to relax. I’ve started using a weighted eye mask and setting aside quiet moments to let my mind rest. I’m lucky to have a flexible schedule, but I encourage everyone to find ways to fit rest into their lives. Life gets busy, but that’s why it’s so important to take time to recharge, so we can keep going strong.

As we get older, we notice changes in our energy levels—just like the iPhone comparison. Our bodies, like those older phones, need more care to keep running well. We might need more rest, feel slower, or take longer to bounce back from a busy day. Just like a phone battery needs to be charged more often, our minds and bodies need regular breaks to keep going.

From a health perspective, this makes sense. As we age, regular rest becomes even more important for our mental and physical health. Things like stress, changing hormones, and lack of sleep can affect how we feel day to day. Getting enough rest can make a big difference, helping us feel better, think more clearly, and handle life’s challenges more easily.

Sleep is one of the best ways to recharge. It helps improve our mood, memory, and ability to focus. During sleep, the brain takes care of important things, like sorting through memories and clearing out waste, which helps us feel mentally refreshed and emotionally stable.

Relaxation techniques, like using a weighted eye mask or practicing mindfulness, can also help calm the body. Taking time to relax lowers stress and helps us feel more balanced. Too much stress over time can lead to feeling tired, cranky, and even affect our health, so it’s important to make time to unwind.

Even though life can be busy, finding time to rest is essential. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time, deep breathing, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment, these small breaks help us recharge and stay strong in the long run.

By understanding that our energy changes as we age, we can make choices to take better care of ourselves, making sure we have the energy to keep up with everything life throws at us.