26 Dec All the things “rest” is … and isn’t!
For most people, this week between Christmas and New Years is a strange period.
I’m well aware that some of you will still be working; and I’m well aware that some of you will still be busy with any number of family or other obligations.
But I’m also aware that for many of you, this week is a rare week filled with … nothing much at all.
Sure, you’ll be seeing family, and maybe friends; you’ll be eating and drinking and maybe even partying. In fact, I’m sure you’ll be up to any number of things.
But again, I’m also pretty sure that the amount of “nothing” time will be greater during this week than almost any other week of the year. This week will have more opportunities for rest than almost any other week of the year. For many of us, however, rest isn’t as easy as it should be. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who finds resting difficult and I’m pretty sure I know the reason(s) why.
Many of us find rest hard because we give it negative connotations. More so, many of us don’t fully recognise the value and benefits that can come form proper, healthy rest. And so, today, I thought I’d list a few of the things that rest is, and isn’t, in the hope at least some of you might view it in a more positive light and as such, take even just a few small steps towards the health and wellbeing and happiness that rest can bring.
And so, here we go …
- rest is NOT a waste of time. Proper rest is necessary, as necessary as eating well and exercising and sleeping
- rest is NOT the same as laziness. Just like we need to recharge our devices, so too do we need to recharge ourselves
- rest is NOT a luxury; at least no more so than, as already noted, other healthy practices
- rest is NOT selfish. You can’t care for others if you’re sick and tired whilst you can care much better for others if and when properly rested
- rest is NOT unproductive. We shouldn’t rest to be productive but … there’s no doubt I’ve had some of my best new ideas when I’ve allowed myself to switch off and do nothing
At the same time …
- rest IS a healthy practice
- rest IS important for recovery and recuperation
- rest IS good for our physical and mental health
- rest IS associated with reflection and even meditation, which can lead to more clarity and direction
- rest IS … well, it can be whatever you want it to be!
Life’s not always easy. Life can often be difficult. Take the time where and when you can to rest and recover and so give yourself the best opportunity to then live life to the fullest when you, after switching off for a bit, switch back on!