Finding Rest in a Restless World
Rest comes with difficulty for some. Restless nights, tossing and turning, in the otherwise peaceful and quiet dimly lit hours of night. Our bodies almost scream at us—they need rest—through an ache in our back or a throbbing in our heads.
We often push past early signs our body uses to give warning and we succumb to societal pressure to operate more like a machine than a human. Additionally, and with even less awareness, we allow our minds to collect information, creating a drive to fear what may come—or what may never come.
These concerns quickly turn to worries and grow fully into anxiety that grips our nervous system in one of two ways:
- Hypervigilance – where obsessions trap us in our heads like a cell with steel bars of fear…
- Shutdown – where dissociation detaches us from our present, our families, our coworkers. We may exist in time, but feel numb, hollow, eventually slipping into depression.
Yet, there is hope.
We are not alone in this life.
Inside each one of us is breath. Life.
Each breath is new—with the promise of change.
Our minds, though designed to protect us, are also capable of healing. We are not animals ruled by instinct alone. We have the ability to learn, grow, and change. What we tell ourselves matters. The perspective we take shapes our experience—either toward ease and hope, or toward darkness and pessimism.
You choose—in every moment.
Ready to Make a Change? Start Here:
Real rest begins with intention. Here are 3 practical ways to start:
Mindful Breathing
Take 5 minutes today. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 6. Calm your nervous system—on purpose.Limit Your Information Diet
Turn off the noise. Disconnect from social media or news for 30 minutes and connect instead with something grounding—a walk, journaling, prayer, or a loved one.Change the Narrative
Speak gently to yourself. Replace “I’m failing” with “I’m trying, and that matters.” Rewire the way you see yourself.
Need Help Moving Forward? We’re Here for You.
Sometimes, healing takes a partner, and that’s okay. The caring, compassionate counselors at New Heights Counseling are ready to listen. We’ll work with you to map out a healthy path forward—step by step. You don’t have to walk this alone.
Rest is possible. Change is possible. Hope is here.
Reach out and take the first step. Call (850)757-9444 or schedule a 15-minute consultation with our Client Care Coordinator to get answers to your questions: 15-minute Consultation Appointment.
Services Offered at New Heights Counseling
New Heights Counselor offers counseling to those who struggle with anger management, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, abuse, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence, body image, eating disorders, and many more. We want you to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can better understand your needs and help you find healing, wholeness, and rest.
Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults. We offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL, location and online therapy for the state of Florida. The office is on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions here on Google Maps.
New Heights Counseling Schedule
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
About the Author:
Colleen Wenner is the founder and clinical director of New Heights Counseling, where she provides counseling services for individuals struggling with mental health issues. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Colleen is a certified supervisor in Florida and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner, and an EMDRIA-approved consultant. Colleen is committed to providing excellent client care and services to Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.