In our culture, the act of slowing down can seem like a failure. In a world that thrives off of busy schedules and deadlines, the idea of taking a ‘rest day’ can seem selfish or lazy. However, this could not be further from the truth! Rest is vital for regaining our strength, focus, and sense of calm when returning to our tasks. Rest applies to different aspects of our emotional, mental, and physical health, and is a time to press pause and tune into your body and mind. Read on for Rest Day: Self-Care & the 3 Dimensions of Well-Being!
1. Rest Physically on your Rest Day
We hold a lot of tension when we are stressed, which is why it is important to take care of your body and do what’s right for you. This can mean different things based on how you feel: whether that’s doing a relaxing yoga session, a rest day workout or exercise you are likely to enjoy, or maybe just taking a nap—resting your body is vital for your health. Resting physically, whether that’s exercising, relaxing, or sleeping should be a mindful and rejuvenating time.
2. Rest Mentally
When was the last time you took a break from work? And not just a break as in a lunch break, but rather a mental break? Self-care is a form of mental rest that should be practiced throughout your day. Meditation, listening to music, reading a book, and doing something that you enjoy are all forms of self-care that will give you the mental rest you need. It doesn’t take much to take care of yourself, so why put it off, especially when it can boost you up for a better, more enhanced performance when it’s time to be fully active again?
3. Rest Emotionally on Your Rest Day
Resting emotionally is about taking a break from something or someone that does not serve you. This can mean spending less time on social media if you find yourself in an unhealthy cycle of comparing yourself to other people. Resting emotionally can also mean breaking away from toxic relationships or social events that do not bring you inner satisfaction and joy. Taking the time to reflect on the people or things you decide to surround yourself with and the emotions they induce will create a peaceful space in your life.