When Was the Last Time You Felt Well-Rested?

And a plan to build more moments of rest into your routine.

Hello,

When was the last time you felt well-rested?

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Photo by engin akyurt

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Being well-rested is essential to our well-being. When we are not fully refreshed we are not able to think as clearly and that affects our decision-making. Or we might feel more irritable than usual, and that can play out in ways that are not helpful for our relationships. We might not feel as creative, and being tired might make us more likely to skip socializing, exercising, or resting. 

Being well-rested is so much more than sleeping well at night. Athletes take rest days for physical recovery. Some religious groups encourage a day of rest. Even our workplaces (hopefully) encourage time off as a means to reset and restore. Resting is an important component of our overall health. It provides physical, mental, sensory, social, emotional, and spiritual benefits. 

There are so many ways to build rest into your day in addition to my favorite, meditation. 

Take a break from your phone. Watch a cloud go by. Feel the breeze on your skin. Breathe in your favorite smell.

Before you get out of bed in the morning, take a moment to slow down and express gratitude for a new day. Perhaps set an intention. Begin your day in a grounded, not harried, state.

As you sit down to enjoy a meal, remember that this is a time to nourish yourself. Consider the energy you are bringing to eating. Try to appreciate and enjoy this break in your day.

Switch up your environment. If you work at a computer give your eyes a rest. Look out the window instead of the screen between emails.

If you can, take some time outside. Nature is incredibly healing. It doesn’t have to be a visit to a National Park. The sky, the breeze, birds, and trees are everywhere. Park a little farther away from your destination, or get off a stop early on the subway and walk. Feel your feet on the ground and marvel at your surroundings

Whenever possible, slow down and take a few deep breaths. I guarantee it will improve your day. 

This week our meditation is a traditional body scan that allows for an alert form of rest. I hope you try it. This one is a bit longer than usual, a full twenty minutes of relaxation. It’s okay and normal if you fall asleep while doing this meditation, but that might be an indication that you could spend some more time resting.