Learning to Rest

Learning to recognise impromptu moments to rest is an art, but if we can do this the benefits can be truly amazing. In an age where we can be doing literally anything remotely,(we discovered even more ways in the height of lockdown) and even when the weather offers an opportunity to stay in and slow down, there is a tendency to tick off items from that to do list. Don’t you think it’s crazy how often it takes an illness to make us stay in bed or for us to get in a car or hop on an aeroplane in order to truly rest?

Scientific studies have shown that rest actually effects us on a genetic level and helps to produce antioxidant and anti inflammatory changes that reduce stress in the body.

Scheduling in a rest or two into your day can help our bodies with lots of stress related illnesses such as high blood pressure, hypertension, insomnia and depression.

What defines rest? Most of us think that a break from the norm is rest with recreational activities such as gardening, playing sport, watching movies, and reading. However, it’s none of those. It’s being still, daydreaming, for some it can be meditation, for others just watching the world go by with a cup of tea. All mammals do it and if you watch animals, they spend a lot of time resting, not sleeping, just resting. We could take a leaf out of their book for sure!

There’s no doubt that for a lot of us it takes some practice, but if we can ditch the guilt, the rewards can be huge! Maybe we create a code for it with our families? Mine will be, “I’m going for a lie down!” I think.

The stormy weather has halted my plans to dash around today as I had planned a picnic with a friend so I am putting technology to one side after this post. Don’t get me wrong, I am an avid said list ticker, but today I am giving myself permission to take a break from it and fine tune my resting skills!

Did you know? Side effects of rest: increased energy, productivity and creativity. Win, win!