Sometimes, we all need a break, right? Whether it’s after a long day or you’re just feeling a bit run-down, telling someone to “rest up” can be a sweet way to show you care. But if you want to mix it up and sound even cooler, check out these 26 alternative ways to say “rest up”—and make it sound more interesting!
26 Fun Ways to Say “Rest Up”
1. Take It Easy
When someone’s had a stressful day, telling them to “take it easy” is a way to encourage them to chill out. It’s a friendly, laid-back way of saying, “Don’t push yourself too hard today!” It’s perfect for casual conversations with family or friends. Plus, it sounds a lot less formal than other phrases.
2. Recharge Your Batteries
Everyone knows how draining life can be, so telling someone to “recharge your batteries” is a metaphorical way of encouraging them to relax and restore their energy. It’s like saying, “You need some time to recharge, just like your phone needs to plug in for a good while!” It’s light and motivating.
3. Take a Breather
This one is great for when someone just needs a moment to pause and reset. Saying, “Take a breather” invites them to breathe deeply, calm their nerves, and take a mental break. It’s a less serious, more playful way of telling someone to relax for a little while.

4. Chill Out
Want to tell someone to cool down and take it easy? “Chill out” does the trick. This phrase is perfect when someone’s stressing out or getting worked up. It’s the fun, laid-back way of telling someone to let go of the tension and rest.
5. Kick Back
If you want to suggest someone take a more leisurely approach to their relaxation, “kick back” is a great phrase. Imagine sitting on a comfy chair, putting your feet up, and enjoying some relaxation time. Telling someone to “kick back” encourages them to slow down and enjoy the moment.
See Also: 26 Other Ways to Say Get Well Soon
6. Hit the Sack
When it’s bedtime and someone’s ready for sleep, “hit the sack” is a playful way to say it. It’s like saying, “It’s time for you to get some good rest!” Whether it’s after a tiring day or a late-night event, this phrase adds a casual touch to the advice of going to bed.
7. Take a Nap
Sometimes all we need is a short, refreshing nap to feel better. Telling someone to “take a nap” is a way to encourage them to step away from their busy life for a while and refresh. It’s a quick and effective way to say “you deserve to rest for a bit!”
8. Rest Your Eyes
If you notice someone looking tired but they’re still pushing through their day, telling them to “rest your eyes” suggests they take a break. It’s a subtle and polite way of telling someone to take a short rest and allow their eyes to relax from all the screen time.
9. Take a Time-Out
“Take a time-out” is a perfect phrase when someone is overworked and you just want them to step back for a bit. It’s a fun way of saying, “Take a break from everything—mentally and physically.” It’s a reminder that even the busiest people deserve some downtime.
10. Unwind
When life gets hectic, telling someone to “unwind” is a helpful nudge to slow things down. It’s all about relaxing your mind and body after a stressful period. If someone is wound up like a tight spring, suggesting they “unwind” encourages them to loosen up and take it easy.
11. Get Some Shut-Eye
“Get some shut-eye” is a casual and fun way to suggest someone go to bed. Whether they’ve been working hard or just need some good sleep, this phrase gets right to the point. It’s a simple reminder that sleep is essential for recharging.
12. Take a Break
“Take a break” is one of the most versatile phrases you can use to encourage someone to rest. It doesn’t matter if they’re working, studying, or just in the middle of a long day—taking a break is always a good idea. It’s a reminder to pause and breathe.
13. Recharge
When someone’s drained, saying they should “recharge” feels both fresh and motivating. It suggests they take the time to restore their energy levels. Just like a phone that needs to be plugged in, our bodies and minds need recharging too, making this phrase a perfect reminder for self-care.
14. Rest Up
This classic phrase is simple, direct, and effective. It’s an easy and straightforward way to encourage someone to take it easy and allow their body to recover. It’s always good to remind others to get enough rest when they’ve had a busy day.
15. Let Your Hair Down
If you want to suggest someone really relaxes and enjoys themselves, “let your hair down” is an awesome phrase. It’s an invitation to unwind and have fun. It’s great for a social setting when someone has been working hard and you want to encourage them to take a more carefree approach.
16. Hit the Hay
“Hit the hay” is another playful way to tell someone to go to sleep. It’s a fun, casual way to suggest that it’s time for a good night’s rest. Whether you’re telling a friend or a loved one, this phrase brings a smile and helps them know it’s time to relax.
17. Zone Out
Sometimes the best way to rest is to “zone out” for a bit. This phrase suggests that someone should let go of everything on their mind and simply disconnect. Whether it’s daydreaming or watching something relaxing, zoning out is an easy way to unplug and recharge.
18. Relax Your Mind
When people are mentally overloaded, telling them to “relax your mind” is a gentle nudge to slow down. It suggests they focus on clearing their thoughts and stress and find peace within themselves. This is perfect for someone who’s mentally exhausted and needs to give their brain a break.
19. Put Your Feet Up
Encouraging someone to “put their feet up” is all about suggesting they rest in the most relaxed position possible. It’s the perfect phrase when you want to remind someone to fully take a break, kick back, and stop worrying about anything for a little while.
20. Take a Load Off
This phrase is all about relieving physical or mental weight. Telling someone to “take a load off” means it’s time to rest and get comfortable. It’s a great phrase for when someone’s been working hard and could use a break to rejuvenate and feel at ease.
See Also: 28 Polite Alternatives to “If You Don’t Mind Me Asking”
21. Slow Down
If someone’s rushing through life or getting too caught up in the hustle, “slow down” is a great way to remind them to relax. It’s like saying, “Take a moment to breathe and enjoy things at your own pace.” Perfect for helping someone escape the fast-paced world.
22. Take It Slow
“Take it slow” is another way to encourage someone to relax, but with an added sense of patience. It’s a gentle suggestion to not hurry or rush through the day. This phrase reminds others that it’s okay to take things at a slower pace for their own well-being.
23. Enjoy Some Peace and Quiet
Sometimes, what people need is simply some time alone. Telling someone to “enjoy some peace and quiet” suggests they get away from the noise of everyday life and find a little calm. It’s perfect for encouraging others to take a moment for themselves and recharge.
24. Catch Some Z’s
“Catch some Z’s” is a fun way of saying, “Go to sleep and get some rest.” It’s the playful side of telling someone to get some much-needed shut-eye, with a touch of humor. It’s simple and lighthearted, but the message of rest is clear.
25. Wind Down
If someone’s been busy all day, “wind down” is a great phrase to use. It’s an invitation to gradually relax, transitioning from a fast-paced day to a slower, more restful evening. It’s perfect for signaling that it’s time to stop running around and enjoy some stillness.
26. Take a Pause
Sometimes, all someone needs is a moment to stop and breathe. “Take a pause” is a gentle way to suggest that they take a break and give themselves permission to rest for a little while. This phrase works when someone’s overwhelmed and just needs a short escape.
See Also: 21 Other Ways to Say “I’m Proud of You”
I hope these 26 fun alternatives to “rest up” give you the variety you need when encouraging your friends, family, or coworkers to take a well-deserved break. Remember, no matter what phrase you choose, a little relaxation goes a long way for both body and mind.