10 Ways To Get More Rest

Do you listen to your body and rest when you're tired? Or do you grab more caffeine and use products that supposedly give you more energy?

Every time my doctor told me to rest more, it aggravated me. I did not feel like that I had time to rest. Especially when I had deadlines and a full schedule for months. Resting, when I had so much to do, seemed ridiculous to me. However, I didn’t understand the importance of resting. 

Therefore, my muscles would become so tense and overused that they would pull my body out of it’s natural alignment. When I would work beyond my body’s limits, then I would only create more pain for myself. Now I am learning to listen to my body. When I first feel the burning sensation in my muscles, I stop and take a few moments to breathe and stretch. It’s amazing at what just what five minutes of intentional breathing can do. 

Before, I thought resting was lying in the bed for hours without doing anything, or napping for several hours. As it turns out, studies show that there are so many ways to rest throughout the day. 

1. Slow down. Breathe deeply.  
2. Listen to soothing music. 
3. Read for a few minutes.
4. Take a slow walk in nature. 
5. Take a power nap of 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Meditate 
7. Drink relaxing tea 
8. Take a bath
9. Dream and visualize 
10. Write in a gratitude journal

Don’t get me wrong, I love coffee. More caffeine, however, is not always the answer. We just need to listen to our body and find out what we need. I make sure that I go to bed in enough time to get my required sleep. I also guard my schedule. If it would put a hardship on me to take on another task, then I don’t commit to it. 

Turning off notifications on my phone has also helped. The constant beeping and buzzing is distracting. When I’m working on a project, I commit to giving it my full attention and then have times when I check Facebook and messages. 

Now, I don’t view resting as being lazy or unproductive. I see it as a way to recharge, revive, and relax me. When I take care of me first, then I have so much more to give others. After all, we cannot drink from an empty cup.

Have a wonderful day!

Love and blessings, 

Candida