What is Rest?

Rest comes in many shapes and forms and is essential for our wellbeing.

Oftentimes we put our everyday tasks above our personal needs and we have met many people claiming that there is no time for rest as they work three jobs, have a family to run and other commitments they have to fulfill.

Others might have a less busy life but after a busy day choose to relax using a technical device such as a phone, tablet, TV or PC.

I am not saying that those devices are bad, in fact they can be useful tools but we should not use those in our resting times as they can cause strain on the eye, stress and anxiety.

I want to focus on six different types of rest in this blog post:

1. Physical Rest - this can be a break at work, during exercise or just wanting to sit down after a long day.

2. Mental Rest - is crucial after we occupy our brains for long periods of time, this can be during work, studies and school. Giving our brain some rest can make us feel more energetic and happier.

3. Emotional Rest - is giving your emotions space, often we keep a straight face even though deep inside we feel different. Let your emotions free and acknowledge your emotions.

4. Social Rest - Being a giving person myself I love being always there for others. But it is important to take a break, breath in and find yourself - the person you are and the person you are meant to be.

5. Spiritual Rest - this is probably the most important rest. As we humans were created we have been created with a need for spiritual rest.

Resting spiritual gives a deeper meaning to connect beyond the physical and mental sense of belonging and can give deeper meaning to life.

We have been given every week one day to rest - this day is the Sabbath (Saturday) of the Lord in which we can spend time with our creator and overcome our physical and mental challenges. (Exodus 20,9-10)

6. Sleep - and of course we have sleep. On average adults need 7-8 sleep each night. When we sleep our body can reset itself, create new cells and having enough sleep will also energize us for the next day.

If we cut back on or sleep or are not sleeping in the times we should (before midnight) then our body is not able to create the hormone called melatonine which is important for our health and wellbeing.

Here are some ideas you can do in your resting times:

1. Read a book (physical, emotional, social and spiritual rest)

2. Go for a walk (mental, emotional, social, spiritual rest)

3. Pray and meditate - I often combine this with walking but you don't need too, it it's just a personal preference (physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual)

4. Sleep (this is great for all levels of rest)

5. Listen to music (physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual rest)

6. Take a bath/ warm shower (physical, mental, emotional and social)

7. Pamper yourself with a clay mask, hand or foot bath (physical, mental, emotional and social)

As you can see, there are lots of things we can do to unwind and relax.

I like to challenge you today to take time to rest, be it physical after a long day, mental, emotional, social, spiritual or simply sleeping enough.

If you are feeling always tired, you are struggling with anxiety or just like to get a better routine, then please free to reach out to us to arrange a FREE COACHING COUNSULTATION and we can guide you in creating resting habits that work for you.