As life gets busy, adequate rest becomes more elusive. However, it is a vital part of health and wellness. Rest isn’t just for post-workout recovery, a rare vacation, or sleeping at night. While these are important, rest is also a daily practice that allows physical, mental, and emotional renewal.
The Benefits
Rest can look different for everyone, but it involves hitting the pause button to intentionally allow your mind and body to relax. Proper rest promotes good digestion and a more regulated appetite. It encourages more mindful choices throughout the day. Physical rest can relieve muscle tension and soreness that builds up from repetitive motion and long workdays. A mental break helps manage stress and process emotions. Pressing pause can slow stressful and anxious thoughts and allows us to be more fully present.
Are You Getting Enough?
Rest is a very personalized requirement. We all need it, but the way we rest, when we rest, and how often we rest vary from person to person. How do we know if we are getting enough? Watch out for warning signs that may signal you need more rest. Physically, you may notice tight, tense muscles or overall fatigue and exhaustion. Mental warning signs can include changes in emotions, anxious or depressive feelings, or difficulty focusing and remembering. Whenever you notice these changes, it is a good idea to make moments of rest a priority in your daily routine.
Strategies to Make Rest a Part of Your Day
Plan for Rest. Between busy schedules and never-ending deadlines, rest is often overlooked. Plan for it to be part of your day. Put it on your calendar, set an alarm, or write a reminder. Your rest doesn’t need to be long. A short, intentional moment to practice several cycles of deep breathing can be the break your mind and body needs.
Set Boundaries. Rest can come in the form of protecting your schedule from being spread too thin. Know your limits and set boundaries around how you spend your time and energy. Healthy boundaries allow you to slow down when necessary.
Stop for Meals. Too often, we work through meals, grab them to-go, or skip them altogether. Taking the time to stop and eat a meal not only encourages proper digestion, but also helps us eat more mindfully. Intentional awareness while eating leads to healthier choices in general.
Get Outside. Spend time in nature to relax and unwind. Go for a short walk or simply sit and observe what you see and hear. Using your senses while outdoors can help your thoughts slow down and rest.
Turn Off Your Screens. Endless scrolling and blue light from screens can cause thoughts to spiral and keep us awake at night. Take time to unplug from your devices. Choosing restful screen-free activities can help you truly recharge during the day and prepare your mind and body for a more restful night of sleep.
Savor a Quiet Moment. Allow yourself to slow down and savor a moment. Listen to a favorite song, read a book, follow a guided meditation, or simply sit quietly. The moment doesn’t need to last long, but make the most of it by fully engaging and turning your attention to something relaxing.
Prioritize Sleep. Our sleep is still the ultimate rest of our day. It is when our mind and body renew and repair. Sleep keeps our immune system strong, improves cognitive function, and aids with metabolism. Consider implementing a screen-free bedtime routine to prepare your mind and body for a night of adequate, restful sleep.
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