Often we think we’re ‘resting’ but really we’re just squeezing in another activity. I had this realisation when I kept a pacing diary as part of my mindfulness teacher training and discovered I had no ‘pure rest’ times recorded.
Yes, Pilates and vinyasa yoga might be towards the relaxing end of the exercise spectrum, but they aren’t technically rest!
And there’s the other end of the spectrum where we sit or lie down and doom scroll or binge watch a boxset. Our bodies might be physically still, but do we really feel rested afterwards?
It’s helpful also to tune into what type of rest we need, in this moment: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, social, creative or spiritual?1
And of course, it’s all too easy to allow busy days to whizz by, full of responsibility and tasks we prioritise over our self-care. We go to the bottom of our to-do-lists, then bedtime rolls around again with us feeling exhausted.
But we all need rest, and it doesn’t have to be earned. Self-care isn’t selfish and you’re your own best investment.
So, save some space for rest, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time:
Take 5-minute micro-breaks to reset. Gaze at the sky, lie down and listen to sounds, or do some deep breathing.
Step away from your computer at least every hour, for 5-10 minutes. To prevent eye strain, you can also try the 20-20-20 technique: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds.
Schedule in non-negotiable rest slots. Block them out in your calendar so your time doesn’t get stolen by other people’s priorities.
Take a proper lunch break. No reading emails while you graze. Get away from your desk (outdoors is ideal) and eat sitting down, with cutlery.
Spend time with nature. Stroll slowly in the woods, being mindful of your surroundings. Or enjoy your garden. Or cuddle a furry friend.
Listen when your body tells you it’s tired. Don’t just push on through, thinking ‘I’ll just finish X first’ or ‘I’ll recover after…’ That way lies burnout.
Put away your devices and have a digital detox. Make yourself an analogue box full of relaxing ways to unwind (books, art supplies). Keep phones out of the bedroom! I charge mine upstairs so I’m not tempted to check it in bed.
Sleep, meditate, or enjoy a lazy bath or sauna. I’d be lost without my daily meditation practice, and I’m a big fan of napping when I need to.
Whatever form your rest takes, make space for it!
Top of my list is lazing in the great outdoors. Me, my picnic blanket, a cushion and my awesome Japanese floor chairs. Maybe my boyfriend too!
I’ll be there with a novel, perhaps a colouring book and pencils too. Reading, meditating, colouring, or napping under a tree. Bliss!
I’d love to hear any reflections you have on this prompt. 💬
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,
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