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