Is resting well a priority in your weekly routine? For a long time, rest triggered feelings of guilt and unproductivity for me. I struggled to relax, whether I was studying for my Honors degree or at home during working hours. I felt like there was always something more to do, someone to meet, or a task to complete. But I’ve come to realize that rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
As Katie Reed so eloquently put it,
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
Resting is a crucial part of self-care, allowing us to recharge and give our best to others. By definition, rest means ceasing work or movement to relax, sleep, or recover strength. But rest isn’t just about sleep; it’s also about mental and emotional rejuvenation.
So, how can we incorporate rest into our busy lives? It’s not just about waiting for the next holiday or weekend. We can rest in small ways every day, like:
- Reading a book
- Exercising
- Taking short breaks
- Watching a relaxing movie
- Having a dinner date with loved ones
- Power naps
The list is endless. By prioritizing rest, we can improve our productivity, mental wellness, and overall quality of life. It might mean waking up earlier, taking a daily 10-minute break to meditate or stretch, or simply pausing to enjoy nature. You’ll be surprised at the difference 10 minutes of rest can make.
Remember, resting well is not a sign of laziness; it’s a sign of self-awareness and self-care. By making rest a priority, we can give the world the best of ourselves, not just what’s left of us.
See our previous blog on balance-living as well. This might also inspire you to plan your busy weeks better, in order to incorporate rest into it as well.
