LET’S TALK ABOUT REST

When was the last time you were able to truly rest?

I am not talking about a 10 minute break or that lunch hour eating your sandwich. I am talking about active resting, which may sound like an oxymoron, but stick with me here. Active resting is about loving your body and mind enough to make and take the time to do the things needed for you to recharge.

Your Body Needs Rest

We live in a culture where the word rest does not even enter our vocabulary. We are expected to do, do, do and go, go, go. It’s about doing this, doing that, getting here and getting there; many times to the point of burnout (by the way, if you have reached the point of burn out, you have gone beyond the need for rest!).

There is no glory in pushing yourself beyond limits.

There is no glory in working yourself to perfection.

And there is no glory in living the daily grind.

Show Yourself Some Love

Your body needs and requires rest. So does your mind. This is how you are able to rejuvenate and recharge. When you take time to rest your body, you are showing yourself love. That’s right, love yourself enough to know you are worthy of resting and caring for your body and mind. That means giving your body and mind the attention it needs so you can show up each day.

Does your body need to just rest on the couch? Do that.

Does your body need to sit and read a good book? Do that.

Does your body need to savor that cup of tea? Do that.

Does your body need a quiet walk in the park? Do that.

Choose The Courage To Rest

Choose the courage to rest. When you pay attention to resting and caring for your body, you are honoring yourself. You are putting that mask on you first so you can be ready to show up for others and in other areas of your life. Remember, you are in control of your life. You get to love yourself in this journey of life.

And when you take that rest, do not let guilty thoughts bubble up in your head. Do not compare yourself to others and think you should be doing more. I am warning you now. Don’t do it. Cuz they will show up. Telling you all sorts of lies. The worst thing you can do is rest your body, and then feel bad or guilty for resting. Cancel those thoughts from your mind. Those kinds of thoughts are not welcomed. Soak in the rest. Feel every moment of your rest. Drink it up and let rest fill you up. Fill your cup so much it overflows.

You. Are. Worth. It.

Four Tips To Rest Your Body

Make time for rest: just like you make time to eat, make the time to rest. If you have to schedule it in your calendar, then do it. If you can’t do it for the day, then do half a day. Your body will thank you for it.
Put away all devices: take a break from all distractions of constantly being in the know. Take time to focus on YOU!
Do things that bring you joyful rest: whether it’s sitting on the couch and watching a movie that makes you laugh, taking a bubble bath, journaling, or reading a good book, rest in ways that fill you up and bring you joy.
Drop the guilt: do not feel bad for resting. I repeat, do not feel bad for resting. Know that rest is needed. You don’t have to earn it. When you rest, you can start again ready to tackle the day.

In Love & Courage,