Pt. 2: Underrated Superpower

You’ve probably heard it before—“Sleep when you’re dead!”

It’s meant as a joke… but it’s also kind of how our culture runs, right?

We glorify being busy. Hustling. Running on caffeine. Staying up late to get more done. Living on energy drinks and iced coffee while wondering why we feel exhausted, foggy, inflamed, or moody.

But here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
You cannot outwork a nervous system that’s begging for rest.

So in this second part of my Foundations of Health series, we’re talking about the pillar that gets skipped the most—and why rest might actually be the reset your body is craving.

If you missed Part 1 (on nourishment), you can catch up here.

Rest Isn’t Weak—It’s Wise

We tend to treat rest like a luxury. Something we’ll get around to after the work, the to-do list, the errands, the workouts, the scrolling.

But true rest?
It’s a requirement, not a reward.

It’s the deep exhale. The repair mode. The thing your hormones, mood, digestion, and immune system all depend on.

You can be eating perfectly and working out consistently—but if you’re not resting, your body’s still running in survival mode.

But What Is Rest, Really?

It’s not just lying on the couch or binging Netflix (although hey, sometimes that’s needed too).
Real rest looks like:

  • Regulating your nervous system

  • Sleeping deeply and waking refreshed

  • Giving your brain time to shut off

  • Creating mental white space—not just silence, but stillness

  • Letting your body drop into its natural rhythms

For me, real rest didn’t come naturally. I’m someone who’s had to work to unlearn hustle mode. And one of the most powerful tools I’ve used to support my sleep and nervous system is doTERRA’s Serenity Sleep System.

What Helped Me Sleep Again

I used to really struggle with sleep—and actual rest.
Some nights, it was falling asleep that felt impossible. Other times, I’d wake up in the middle of the night and couldn’t settle back down.

My brain would just be on. Running through ideas, conversations, worries... you name it.

For a long time, I thought that was just how I was wired. But over time, I learned that my body—and especially my nervous system—was craving support.

That’s where the doTERRA Serenity Sleep System came in. It completely changed the way I wind down at night and has become a non-negotiable part of my routine.

Here’s how I use it:

🌙 Serenity Essential Oil Blend
This goes in my diffuser about 30 minutes before bed. The calming mix of Lavender, Cedarwood, Ho Wood, and Roman Chamomile instantly shifts the energy in the room—and in my body. It’s like my cue to start relaxing.

🌙 Serenity Stick + Valerian
This is a game changer on the nights where my mind feels too full. I roll it on my chest, temples, and wrists—Valerian is known for its ability to quiet the mind and support deeper, more restful sleep. I love the convenience and the calming scent.

✨ And yes—it’s part of this week’s BOGO! If you’ve never tried it, now is the perfect time.

💤 The Serenity Capsules (optional add-on)
These are non-habit-forming and support deep, sustained sleep without morning grogginess. Great for those who struggle with frequent waking or chronic sleep issues. I save these for nights when I feel I need a little extra help.

What Rest Looks Like in Real Life

For me, building a restful rhythm includes things like:

  • Early, consistent bedtimes (even if everything isn’t “done”)

  • Journaling or brain-dumping to offload mental clutter

  • Limited after dinner snacking

  • Dim lights, warm drinks, and a calm environment to signal “slow down”

  • Purposeful movement in the day

  • Magnesium (I change up the source - epsom salt baths, CALM drink, or spray)

It’s simple. Imperfect. And life-changing.

Let Your Body Heal

Rest isn’t lazy. It’s strategic. It’s a biological need.
And when you start honoring it, your body will thank you with better energy, clarity, and resilience.

If you’ve been skimping on rest—or feel like you’ve tried everything—start with the Serenity essentials. They’re a low-effort, high-impact way to support your nervous system naturally.

And yes—they're on BOGO right now, which makes this the perfect time to try them or stock up.

Rest Isn’t Lazy. It’s Strategic.

Here’s your permission slip:
You don’t have to earn your rest.
You don’t need to crash in order to justify slowing down.

Your body is doing so much behind the scenes—and when you support it with real rest, everything else gets better. Focus, digestion, immunity, mood… it’s all connected.

Next up in Part 3: Movement
In the final part of this series, I’ll be sharing how I’ve approached movement as a long-term strength and energy tool—not another “thing to do” on the list.

But for now?
Breathe deep. Slow down. Diffuse Serenity. And if you want to take advantage of the BOGO, grab the Serenity Stick with Valerian while it’s still available. It’s one of the best sleep supports I’ve found—and it's on sale right now.

Jenn Houssin