Monday Mindset
Rest as Renewal
Hello, friends!
At the beginning of this new week (and month!), I hope that you are continuing to meet yourself with grace, compassion, and support.
This month’s theme is all about Rest (be sure to read up if you haven’t already — it’s a quick one! — before diving into today’s post.)
In a busy world, especially when anxieties are running high, we might be tempted to use rest as an escape. On the other side of the spectrum, we might avoid it because of the pressures we face. Rest isn’t something we can opt in or out of. It is necessary, and there is an invitation to right our relationship to it.
There are practical aspects of rest that we already know, but some we might overlook. Sometimes, it’s necessary to revisit the basic things we take for granted. With that in mind, today we’re talking about physical rest and its importance to our well-being, or:
Rest as Renewal
"Sometimes the best solution is to rest, relax and recharge. It's hard to be your best on empty."
—Sam Glenn
When we think of rest, most of us probably think of the physical side of it. In order for our bodies to recharge, we have to have downtime. This means we need to prioritize the quality of rest we get and make necessary changes where we can to make that happen.
If you have ever had a strength training routine, you know that rest days are important. It gives your body a chance to repair and renew. Your muscle fibers need breaks in order to grow stronger, and this is true for your mind, emotional balance, and social stamina, as well.
There are two kinds of physical rest: passive and active.
Passive rest happens while our bodies are still. This most commonly happens when we are asleep. Our bodies require more than laying down for a few hours at a time–we need good quality sleep. For most adults, that looks like seven or more hours per night. Anything less than that could get in the way of necessary processes that keep us healthy.
A well-rested body is a stronger body. Although we cannot control everything that happens in, around, or to us, we can certainly do our best to strengthen our immune systems. One of the ways we do this is by prioritizing good sleep habits.
In order to get the best sleep possible, having a routine our bodies can bank on helps. A consistent schedule, managing the light in the room, keeping the temperature comfortable (on the cool side), and removing technological distractions can help set us up for better nights with deeper rest.
Active rest is a bit different. It involves light physical activity that helps our bodies recover, while still involving movement. This could look like stretching, walking, yoga, a leisurely bike ride, or an easy swim. These restful activities are not meant to be challenging, but they are meant to be enjoyable.
Though rest isn’t only a physical thing, this side of it is important. While we sleep, our brains process the information they have taken in throughout the day. Good sleep can restore our energy, help us manage stress, regulate our mood, and improve our physical health. Restful activities can help us stay flexible, lower our stress, help with our heart health, and improve our sleep.
There are some warning signs that can help alert us to when we may be in a sleep deficit:
Emotional regulation is an important effect of good sleep. If we find ourselves overreacting to things we don’t normally, or if we feel increased levels of anxiety, anger, or sadness, this is a sign that we need to get some good sleep.
A lack of quality sleep can also affect our decision making (we might be a bit more impulsive, or struggle to make decisions in ways we wouldn’t normally.)
If sleep isn’t a problem, but you find your body is stiff and in pain at the end of the day, you may want to incorporate more restful practices into your routine. Similarly, if you struggle to slow down and take breaks during the day, doing simple things to incorporate movement while giving your brain and body a break is important. It could be as simple as going on a walk with your family after dinner or doing a five-minute stretch on your lunch break. It’s good for your physical body, as well as your connection to self and others.
You are more than just a body and a brain, but your body and brain health are important. Getting consistently good physical rest allows your body to renew what has been torn, and it refreshes your energy stores, making you more renewed and ready for what comes your way.
Does your sleep hygiene need to be improved?
Do you need to incorporate more restful movement into your routine?
If you don’t already have a nightly routine, start one. Keep it realistic, and make it enjoyable.
Whether you have a cup of tea before you wind down for the night, read a book instead of scrolling your phone, or do a full skincare routine before getting in bed, make sure there is something you do that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep.
My problem is not usually going to sleep but I wake up all through the night ! Which I think is partly my cat and partly menopause 😕 I think I’m going to try the stretches as that’s so easy to do . Thanks 🙏🏼