Rest Like You Mean It.
Many people don’t identify with the act of “self-care” mainly because the term can be thrown around without any true meaning behind it. Sure, a night out with friends can certainly be considered a form of self-care. What is even more important is how to incorporate moments of care and rest into your daily routine. Yes, moments. Yes, every day. You don’t need an entire night out, a two hour nap, or an evening of binge watching a new tv show to feel the effects. Keep reading to learn how quality rest can lead to the biggest outcomes over quantity — and it all starts with intention.
The Illusion of the Constant Grind
We live in a culture that measures worth by output—where value is tied to how much we produce, earn, or accomplish. Rest is often dismissed as avoidance or being lazy, unproductive, or unmotivated. We have inherited a “work hard, play later”, “power through”, and “no days off” mentality within which minimizes the importance and role of rest and rejuvenation. But at what cost? We’re more burnt out, anxious, and disconnected than ever. Always behind, always busy—rarely fulfilled. It’s no wonder we feel like we can’t catch up.
Rest Isn’t Wasted Time
Many cultures view rest as sacred, essential, deeply valued, and even — productive. What would happen if you shifted our definition and perception of rest? If you viewed rest as necessary and essential for your brain and body to be able to function at your best. If you understood rest, stillness, and nourishment provide an opportunity for your brain and body to reset which in turn can increase focus, motivation, decision-making, and problem-solving, and decrease stress and burnout. If you define rest as productive. When you recognize that if you honor rest, you don’t fall behind—you actually catch up with yourself.
Making Rest Intentional
Schedule it like you would a meeting. Protect your time to recharge and create opportunity each day.
Choose quality over quantity. A 15-minute mindful break can do more than 2 hours of distracted “downtime.” Be fully present in your rest. Go “all in.”
Listen to your body & mind to identify cues that you need rest. Are you feeling exhausted, fidgety, or restless? Are you overthinking, overanalyzing, or stuck?
Intentionally chose what type of rest you need. Rest comes in many different forms and can look like many different things. Sometimes we need connection, sometimes we need space; sometimes we need stillness, sometimes we need movement.
Some people have a hard time imagining what rest can look like. Here are a few simple ways to incorporate rest into your daily life:
take a walk
brief yoga video or light stretching
read
meditation
take a nap
listen to music
take a break away from work
laugh or connect with friends
journal or write
draw or create art
take a shower or bath
time away from screens or social media
practice gratitude
engage with nature - bask in the sun, water your flowers, garden
nourish your body with good food
Written by: Rebecca Svrjcek, LCSW-C and Certified Life Coach
