Your mind is racing. Your to-do list never ends. Sleep feels like a luxury you can’t afford. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Our culture’s relentless demand for productivity has contributed to skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression, leaving millions feeling burned out and fatigued. But what if the solution has been here from the very beginning of human history?
God created the Sabbath before He gave the Ten Commandments. Before there were Hebrew people. Before there was even sin in the world. On the seventh day of creation, God rested — not because He was tired, but because He was establishing a pattern for our well-being. As the crowning act of human creation, God blessed and sanctified the seventh day as a memorial of both creation and redemption (Genesis 2:2-3, Ezekiel 20:12). This divine rhythm of work and rest was designed specifically for our well-being.
When Nations Tried to Eliminate Rest
History shows us what happens when we ignore God’s design for rest. From 1929 to 1940, the Soviet Union conducted a massive experiment called the “nepreryvka”, or “continuous working week.” They eliminated the traditional seven-day week entirely, replacing it with a five-day cycle where workers were divided into groups with staggered rest days. The Soviet government, under Joseph Stalin, believed this would maximize industrial productivity by keeping machines running continuously while also discouraging religious observance1.
The results were devastating. Workers were assigned different rest days, which disrupted social and family life. Many people complained that they could no longer spend time with their spouses and children since everyone had different schedules. Factories used color-coded calendars to manage shifts, with each day represented by symbols like a red star or wheat sheaf rather than conventional day names. Many workers expressed that without synchronized days off, their time away from work felt meaningless and isolating1.
Although intended to boost productivity, the nepreryvka had the opposite effect. Machines wore out faster due to continuous use and workers struggled with inefficiencies in their roles. In response to complaints, minor reforms were introduced, including allowing families to request matching rest days. The Soviet government tried to fix the problem by switching to a six-day week called the “Shestidnevka” in 1931, but dissatisfaction remained. Finally, in 1940, the Soviet government officially reinstated the seven-day week, marking the end of the experiment1.
This failed experiment reveals something profound: the seven-day week with its built-in rest is not arbitrary. It reflects the way God designed us to function.
The Science Behind Sabbath Rest
Modern research confirms what Scripture has always taught. A study following United Methodist clergy who attended informative Sabbath-keeping workshops found significant connections between Sabbath practice and mental health. Compared to baseline, participants reported an increase in Sabbath-keeping at 3 and 9 months post-workshop. Those who decreased their Sabbath-keeping experienced worse anxiety symptoms, lower spiritual well-being in ministry scores and a higher likelihood of having less than flourishing mental health. Conversely, those who increased their Sabbath practice reported greater feelings of personal accomplishment at work2.
Another comprehensive study examined how Sabbath-keeping transforms lives when practiced for intrinsic reasons. This organic inquiry followed ten women where Sabbath-keeping was not the norm and found six key themes: Sabbath-keeping enhanced self-awareness, improved self-care, enriched relationships, developed spirituality, positively affected the rest of a Sabbath-keeper’s week and Sabbath-keeping practices and philosophies evolved over time. The study concluded that reviving Sabbath-keeping is an effective, accessible, wholistic practice that can contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities and the earth³.
These findings make sense when we understand that rest isn’t just physical. True rest restores your body, mind and spirit simultaneously. Your brain needs time to process emotions and experiences. Your relationships need uninterrupted attention. Your spirit needs space to connect with God without the distractions of daily tasks.
Rest as Resistance Against Anxiety
With anxiety levels on the rise, Sabbath-keeping becomes an act of faith-filled resistance. When you choose to rest, you declare that your worth is not determined by your productivity. You trust that God will provide for your needs even when you step away from work.
This trust is essential for mental health. Anxiety often stems from feeling like everything depends on you. The Sabbath is a reminder that God is in control. He sustained the universe while you slept last night, and He will continue to do so while you enjoy a day of rest.
The Sabbath also provides what researchers call a “sanctuary in time” — a protected space where you can focus on what truly matters³. During this time, you can engage in activities that nurture your soul: worship, prayer, meaningful conversations with family and friends, time in nature and reflection on God’s love and goodness.
Practical Sabbath-Keeping for Mental Health
Sabbath-keeping doesn’t require perfection, but it does require intentionality. Research shows that people who practice Sabbath for intrinsic reasons, because they love God and want to follow His design, experience the greatest benefits⁴.
Start by setting aside time each week to focus on rest and spiritual renewal. Prepare for your Sabbath by completing work before sundown and organizing your home and meals, just as families did in biblical times on “Preparation Day”. The Bible encourages avoiding non-essential work, business transactions and household chores during this time.
During your Sabbath, engage in spiritual activities like Bible study, prayer, music and devotionals. Consider attending worship services online or at a nearby church. Appreciate nature by taking walks, hiking, having picnics and reflecting on God’s creation.
Sabbath is a great way to strengthen family connections and fellowship through special meals, games, storytelling and acts of kindness. The activities can vary and will evolve over time as your life circumstances change. The Sabbath closes at sunset, marking the transition back to everyday life, often with prayer and reflection.
Remember, Sabbath is a gift to you from a loving Creator. The rhythm of work and rest was established for your well-being. The goal isn’t to follow rigid rules but to create space for God to refresh your whole person — body, mind and spirit.
The Sabbath Difference
The benefits of Sabbath-keeping extend beyond individual well-being. When you model healthy rest, you give others permission to do the same. You contribute to a culture that values human dignity over endless productivity. You participate in God’s original design for human flourishing.
Studies consistently show that people who keep the Sabbath report authentic meaning in their lives. They also report less stress, stronger relationships and a deeper spiritual connection4. These are not minor benefits — they are transformative changes that can revolutionize your approach to well-being.
Unlike many mental health interventions, Sabbath-keeping requires no special equipment, training or expense. It is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. People are beginning to recognize its potential as a cost-effective, wholistic health practice that addresses multiple dimensions of wellness simultaneously, with some researchers recommending that healthcare professionals consider prescribing a weekly Sabbath or day of rest³.
Your Invitation to Rest
God’s gift of the Sabbath isn’t an arbitrary, outdated ritual. It’s His loving provision for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. With society increasingly demanding our attention and activity, choosing to rest is a profound act of faith and self-care.
The Soviet experiment failed because it worked against human nature as God designed it. If you’re experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, burnout or fatigue, your body may be telling you something similar — you were created for rhythms of work and rest, not endless striving.
This week, consider how you can begin incorporating regular rest into your life. Start small if needed but start somewhere. Trust that the God who created you knows what you need for restoration and wholeness. He has provided us with the wonderful gift of Sabbath — now it’s time to enjoy it!
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References
1. Frost, Natasha. “For 11 Years, the Soviet Union Had No Weekends.” History, A&E Television Networks, 31 Jan. 2025.
2. Proeschold-Bell, Rae Jean, et al. “Changes in Sabbath-Keeping and Mental Health Over Time: Evaluation Findings From the Sabbath Living Study.” Journal of Psychology and Theology, Oct. 2021.
3. Speedling, Barbara Baker. “Celebrating Sabbath as a Holistic Health Practice: The Transformative Power of a Sanctuary in Time.” Journal of Religion & Health, vol. 58, no. 4, Aug. 2019, pp. 1382–400.
4. Colón, May-Ellen Netten. “Sabbath-Keeping Practices and Factors Related to These Practices Among Seventh-Day Adventists in 51 Countries.” Andrews University, 2003.
