Psychological recovery is often overlooked. Cognitive fatigue affects decision speed and accuracy; short breaks from screens, social boundaries around high-stakes events, and structured downtime preserve attention. Athletes who plan non-sport activities—reading, walking, time with friends—return fresher.
Summary
In practical terms, rest days are training days with different inputs. They protect the immune system, reduce soft-tissue risk, and create the conditions for peak performance when it counts. The strongest programs treat recovery as a scheduled, measurable component—not a luxury when time allows.