I find it wild that we have to learn how to slow down and rest, but I guess it makes sense in the world that we live in. Productivity is often celebrated and rest is so often shamed. So often we work with people (through yoga, reiki and coaching) that are feeling completely burnt out. Learning how to slow down, to cultivate gentleness and to effectively rest is key! What impact would we actually feel if we rested more? And what if we celebrated rest as much as we celebrate productivity?
Firstly let’s look at some of the many physical health benefits, because our bodies need rest to survive and to thrive!
Improved immunity (which we all need as we begin to experience the seasonal shift into Autumn and then Winter)
Lower stress levels and therefore lower production of stress hormones that can contribute to ill health
Improved sleep (yes please to this one, because how good does it feel when we’ve slept well?!)
There are loads of mental health benefits of rest too:
Improved focus and concentration
Feeling energised and more optimistic
Creativity flows when we have rested well
Gratitude flows because we have slowed down enough to actually notice the beauty in the world around us
This is my favourite part - rest supports our relationships too:
Effective rest can support our autonomic nervous system to access the ventral vagal system, sometimes referred to as the social engagement system - this means that we will have more capacity to connect with those around us
We have more capacity to communicate well, to listen deeply, and to understand the deeper meanings of situations (thanks to our prefrontal cortex and our executive functioning)
I hope that I’ve convinced you that rest is wonderful and that it doesn't need to be shamed! I can wholeheartedly say that I celebrate rest, for myself and for others. Last week Amy chose to go for a massage rather than come to a boxing class with me - yay, well done Amy for listening to her body and giving it what it needed. Jane and Vic both love a good nap - yay, well done Jane and Vic for taking time to rest well! I’ve been leaning into rest more and more this year. Each week I’ve been working a little less, sleeping a little more, tightening up my phone boundaries (even more than usual), meditating a little every day and doing plenty of self reiki. Resting more supports me deeply and allows me to show up well for my family, friends and my community.
Thanks for reading! I hope this has inspired you to rest more and enjoy the many benefits. Wishing you a restful start to September. Love Sarah Xx PS. If you are enjoying reading this blog please scroll down and click like and I’ll write more! x
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