Why Is It Important to Rest?
What is rest? Why is it so beneficial? How to rest?
National Tea Day
As we approach April 21, marked as National Tea Day in England, it is a timely reminder for all of us to pause, sip a comforting cup of tea, and contemplate the essence of rest and relaxation. For many, the association between tea and relaxation is instinctive; it is a ritual that invites us to unwind and detach briefly from the chaos of daily life. Beyond the calming embrace of a warm mug, lies a deeper understanding of why rest is a fundamental necessity for our well-being.
What is Rest?
When we think of rest, our minds may automatically go to the absence of activity, sitting doing nothing. Rest is a deliberate act of rejuvenation for the body and the mind, encompassing various forms, from physical rest to mental relaxation.
“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” - Sydney J. Harris
Benefits of Rest
The benefits of rest extend far beyond the immediate sense of relaxation. Physically, rest allows our bodies to repair and regenerate, strengthening our immune system and keeping illness at bay. Mentally, it provides respite from the constant barrage of stimuli, fostering clarity of thought and enhancing cognitive function. Emotionally, rest recharges our spirit, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Think about it:
When you are tired, stressed, overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, feeling burn-out, running from one thing to the next, what is the impact on your:
Clarity of thought?
Ability to make decisions?
Reactions to other people and personal relationships?
Reactions to life events and circumstances?
General coping mechanisms?
Personal health?
Safety? (Think about driving or working safety sensitive positions)
How to Rest
Rest is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are six strategies that can help cultivate a restful lifestyle:
Set Boundaries: While it can be hard to have the discipline, establish boundaries between work and leisure time. Disconnect fully from work and from digital devices. Remember years past when we did not have cellular phones constantly sending us notification signals of new messages on our social media accounts, or the perceived expectation of always being available to answer a call. Create designated periods for relaxation. Try to rest daily.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities to quiet the mind such as meditation, deep belly breathing, walking, journaling, use of a mindfulness app, soothing music, focus on nature, thinking of things you are grateful for, or just letting your mind wander without the pressure of deadlines.
Engage in Hobbies: Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Ideas include painting, gardening, woodworking, crafts, playing an instrument, reading, puzzles, fishing, blogging, knitting/crocheting, coloring, playing with Lego, even watching TV or a movie.
Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you are getting adequate sleep each night to allow your body and mind to fully recharge. Adults need 7 or more hours per night on average. The quality of your sleep is as important as the quantity – think about engaging in your relaxation hobby before bed. Other strategies to support a better sleep include:
• Shut off the blue light (TVs, computers, smartphones) at least one hour before bed.
• Ensure your bedroom is cool and dark.
• Have a warm bath before bed.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine later in the day.
• Limit the amount of water or other fluids you have closer to bedtime to reduce the need to get up for the bathroom.
• Do not eat a huge meal right before bed.
• Follow the same sleep schedule every day (even weekends).
Nourish Your Body: Sometimes the busyness of life wreaks havoc on prioritizing the right foods. It can be easier to whip through the drive-through or throw something fast and processed into the microwave. Pay attention to your physical well-being by eating nutritious foods. I am notorious for not drinking enough water but staying appropriately hydrated is critical for your overall health. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, benefits of drinking water include:
• Carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
• Flushing bacteria from your bladder
• Aiding digestion
• Preventing constipation
• Normalizing blood pressure
• Cushioning joints
• Protecting organs and tissues
• Regulating body temperature
• Maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.
Finally, engage in regular exercise even if it is just a 20-minute walk or taking the stairs instead of an elevator.
Engage With Others: Do something you love that recharges you positively with others you love or for others. Spend quality time with family or friends, play with your pet, engage in random acts of kindness to strangers, volunteer in your community, hobby with a group.
Prioritizing Rest: A Vital Investment
In a society that often glorifies busyness and equates rest with laziness, it is crucial to recognize that prioritizing rest is a critical component of vitality and productivity. You cannot embrace the challenges of life or live your best life tired, stressed and burned out. Just as tea requires time to steep to release its full flavor, we too need moments of stillness to unlock our full potential.
So, as we celebrate National Tea Day and indulge in the simple pleasure of a soothing brew, be reminded of the profound significance of rest in nurturing our well-being. Embrace the tranquility, change your perception around rest if needed, engage in an activity you enjoy, and remember that in making time for rest lies the key to a life well-lived.
