In our society, there’s an underlying expectation to go, go, go. Rest is considered indulgent, and most people feel guilty when taking a minute for themselves – I know I feel guilty when I am not productive and doing stuff.
Making time for rest can recharge your ability to deal with commitments, relationships and impact your overall health. This is because your mind and body are intrinsically connected.
When you take the time to sit and rest even for a few minutes a day, you are allowing your body’s cells to recharge (this is why meditation is so powerful). Having a simple bath or shower with a few controlled breaths can be enough to re-infuse your inner light.
What I do to incorporate rest into my life (aka my Resting Styles):
- Daily meditation practice
- Yoga
- A bath with lavender oil
- Sipping a cup of comforting tea while reading a book on my Kindle
- 1-1.5 hour walk while listening to an audiobook
- Journaling (+ brain dump)
- Take a nap
- 8 hours of sleep
- Nourishing meals
- Say no to social arrangements when feeling overwhelmed
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What is your Resting Style?
Do you enjoy a scenic drive on the weekend? Or is an athletic pursuit the way you wind down? Maybe cooking is what feeds your soul? Or perhaps it’s time alone, spent reading? Or a long lunch with friends?
Just as it’s important to know what motivates you, it’s equally important to know how you relax and regain your equilibrium after stress.
“Practice Il dolce far niente. The sweetness of doing nothing…lounging by the sea, sitting at a sidewalk cafe, strolling through town, lying in the grass watching clouds pass overhead… anything which encourages daydreaming and allows time to slow to a crawl will do.”
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