21 Sep Rest to Replenish
I’ve spent much of my life trying to perfect productivity strategies.
And I’m a big fan of hard work and accomplishment.
But increasingly, I’ve learned that rest and recovery is just as important; one can’t work hard and achieve if one doesn’t allow time for rest and recuperation.
As with many things in life, implementing these in our lives can be easier said than done, especially for some of us.
But if it’s something you recognise you could improve then read on …
via Psychology Today by Robin D Stone
KEY POINTS
- Getting sufficient rest offers several health benefits, from preventing fatigue to boosting metabolism.
- Resting is also an important way to replenish your mental and emotional resources and avoid burnout.
- Regular nature walks, journaling, and vacations are all strategies that can help you relax.
Integrate rest into your life.Source: dragana991/Getty Images
It’s that time of year when many of us reluctantly return from vacation and roll up our sleeves to get back to work. But as you dive back into your to-do list, it’s important to remember to make rest an essential part of your routine throughout the year. Without rest, you risk exhausting your resources and burning out. Rest, like sleep, is necessary for recharging your batteries, and just like nutrients from food, you need your vitamin “R.”
Research has shown that rest in the form of naps can reduce fatigue and boost alertness. This type of rest can improve your mental creativity and physical performance. Getting appropriate rest can also support you in maintaining a healthy weight, as a lack of sleep has been linked to increased appetite and a slowing of metabolism.
So what exactly is rest, and how do you integrate it into your life?
Here are some restful strategies that are relaxing and restorative.
Walk in nature. At a park or other natural setting, take a stroll. Make sure to focus your attention on what you experience with your senses—the color of leaves, the sound of birds chirping, the scent of flowers, and the feel of a breeze or the sun on your skin. Immersing yourself in nature can be profoundly revitalizing.
Write to reflect. After your nature walk, take a few minutes to reflect on what you saw and experienced and how it made you feel. You can write about whatever comes to mind and, over time, about any seasonal changes you notice. You can also use a writing technique such as a sentence stem, where you fill in the blank: “One thing that made me smile on my walk today was ___________ because ____________.”
… keep reading the full & original article HERE