What is rest?

freedom from activity or labor

to sit or lie fixed or supported

to cease from action or motion 

to be free from anxiety or disturbance

peace of mind or spirit

a rhythmic silence in music

a brief pause in reading

something used for support

a place for resting or lodging

the repose of death

Things I’ve learned about Rest.

Rest doesn’t have to take long. It can be subtle and still rejuvenating. 

Being outside in nature is rest. Nature’s friends: solitude and quiet are also rest.

Rest requires more discipline than states of unrest. 

Rest does not need to be consistent to be valuable or helpful. 

There are so many ways to rest. 

Real rest is like a tuning fork for the body, resetting our frequency to a normative state.

Types of rest.

Physical Rest -

Practice passive rest with activities like naps and sleep.

Practice active rest through activities like meditation, yoga, slow leisurely walks, forest bathing, massage, gentle stretching.

Mental Rest -

Have an outlet for frenetic thoughts

Practice journaling

Schedule brain breaks throughout your day.

Create mind-body connections with physical activity like dancing, yoga, running, or pilates.

Emotional Rest - This is not the same as mental rest

EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique

Cut back on people-pleasing

Work to align with your feelings

Be truthful about how you are feeling

Confide in someone you trust - this is important so you can release some of the weight of your worries.

Social Rest -

Take a break from catch-ups.

Limit time with people who need things from you.

Set boundaries

Make extra time for other kinds of rest.

If you can’t take social breaks because of your job, make sure to also spend time with supportive people who will fill your cup to offset those who drain you.

Sensory Rest -

Create boundaries around screen time

Take breaks from your computer, phone, or tablet during long periods of work

Embrace the quiet (white noise or music)

Practice breathing Exercises

Meditate or close your eyes

Use essential Oils

Spend time with pets

Other Somatic Exercises

Creative Rest -

Use water by showering, bathing, or taking a foot bath. Splash water on your face. Spend time around natural water sources like lakes, rivers, and oceans. Go on a waterfall hike.

Spend time in nature or around man-made beauty

Experience Awe and Wonder

Paint a room in your home

Change up your digital wallpaper

Bring nature into your built environment

Spiritual Rest -

Adding rituals like prayer, meditation, and manifestation

Congregation with a community that shares your beliefs

Practicing gratitude

Spiritually rested people will feel a greater sense of belonging, connectedness, and purpose in the world.

Why should we rest?

Rest…

helps the body return to homeostasis - when your body can repair and recover

activates the parasympathetic nervous system

boosts creativity 

increases productivity

prevents injury 

helps maintain weight

enhances decision making

promotes well-being 

reduces stress 

improves mood

strengthens relationships

How to incorporate rest into your daily routine.

After rising remain unplugged for as long as possible. But for at least 30 minutes.

During your morning routine, tap into your body. How is it feeling? Does it need extra love, a nap, or an early bedtime? Do you need to schedule some rest into your calendar? Do you need exercise? Use this time to listen.

Take 5 minutes before you eat your midday meal to be still. Just contemplate the state of your body, or sneak in a breathing exercise. 

Tell someone you trust how you’re really feeling, practice EFT, or Somatic Release

Set aside time before bed to journal, meditate, manifest, practice gratitude or pray