I get that it can feel impossible to find a moment of peace when your schedule is back-to-back from dawn to dusk. Yet my clients do it all the time. Here’s how…

THEY UNDERSTAND REST COMES IN MANY FORMS

Rest isn’t just about catching those Zzz’s—it’s a multifaceted part of our health that we all need to thrive.

Whether it’s:

• The deep relaxation from a good night’s sleep
• The mental clarity we gain from stepping away from our screens
• The rejuvenation found in moments of quiet reflection

Rest is essential to our well-being.

According to the National Sleep Foundation:

• Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health
• Nearly 35% of adults report getting less than 7 hours regularly

This lack of rest can contribute to:

• Physical and mental health issues
• Fatigue, irritability, and impaired decision-making

This month, we’ll explore the various forms of rest and how each one can enrich your life, making this wellness journey a little more joyful and a lot more balanced.

So, let’s get comfy and talk shop…

THIS WEEK’S REST SPOTLIGHT:

Let’s start with something fundamental yet often overlooked: physical rest. Our hustle-and-bustle culture glorifies being busy and underestimates the power of simply resting. But let’s face it, our bodies need downtime to function at their best.

Physical rest goes beyond just sleep. It includes:

• Embracing moments of relaxation
• Taking short naps
• Engaging in gentle activities that allow our bodies to recover

Why is physical rest essential?

• Stress and health risks: According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress without sufficient rest can lead to long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function.
• Recharging and repair: Regular periods of rest are vital for your body to repair and recharge, ensuring it performs at its peak.

Simply put, rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

HIT THE RESET BUTTON

Imagine you’re at work, and you’re feeling the midday slump. Instead of pushing through with another cup of coffee (or reaching for a chocolate from your coworker’s candy dish), what if you took a short 10-minute break to stretch or take a quick nap? Studies have shown that incorporating these mini-breaks into your day can significantly reduce stress and boost energy levels. It’s like hitting a reset button, giving your body a chance to heal from the wear and tear of daily life.

ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE REST

So, how can you integrate active and passive physical rest into your routine? Active rest might include gentle yoga, a leisurely walk, or even a quick stretch session. These activities keep your body moving without putting too much strain on it, promoting blood flow and muscle recovery. On the other hand, passive rest involves activities like napping, meditating, reading, or simply lying down and letting your body relax entirely. Both forms of rest are crucial for maintaining balance. Research from Harvard Medical School suggests that regularly engaging in passive relaxation techniques, like meditation, can help reduce the risk of burnout by promoting mental and physical recovery.

None of this is likely new to you, but maybe prioritizing rest outside your nightly 8 hours is. But I’m here to help you make rest a regular part of your day to support your body’s ability to metabolize the stress of life. Reach out anytime.

TAKE ACTION

👉 How do you plan to incorporate more physical rest into your routine? If you need help putting these ideas into action, reach out. Everyone’s situation is different, but you still deserve regular rest, and your body will thank you.