Challenging exercise can be demanding on your body. If you are doing high intensity training and overworking there can be a negative impact on your immune system. Having a rest day gives your body a chance to repair and recover. A rest day does not mean you can’t do anything. You can still do activities that you enjoy – taking a walk, playing with the children, a gentle cycle ride. The aim of a rest day is to stop pushing your body to achieve more and more but to allow it to recover.
If you are challenging yourself with exercise regularly and notice you have started struggling with sleep, changes in your appetite or mood or picking up illnesses and infections this may mean you are not allowing your body to recover enough. Try adding some rest days into your routine.