We so often get so caught up in the busyness of life that we forget to relax and only get around to it when we’re on holiday, and sometimes that may not be as relaxing as we anticipate.
Rest is so important for our mental, emotional and physical health.
It can be difficult to define because it can look different for everyone and can be active such as going for a walk outside or stretching or passive such sitting oy lying down and just breathing. Regardless of how you choose to rest, this can help you recover and recharge from physical and mental effort.
The impact of a lack of rest
It will eventually catch up with you, so do not think you can escape it! It may not seem like a big deal to skip relaxation and rest from your daily routine, however the impact is huge, such as:
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inability to focus
By relaxing and reducing stress and anxiety, it can lead you to:
- improved mood
- decreased blood pressure
- chronic pain relief
- improved immune health
- stronger cardiovascular system
How can you better prioritise rest?
Find small ways in which you can incorporate rest and relaxation into your daily routine. Try not to make it into an insurmountable mountain as you will never stick to it. Start by finding a relaxation technique that works for you.
- A 5-10 minute meditation or yoga practice first thing
- Taking a walk outside
- Listening to music
- Reading a book or listening to an audiobook whilst travelling
- Taking a bath
Try to be consistent with whatever you choose, creating it as part of your everyday routine and see the difference it makes to your wellbeing.