DAY 5 OF WELLNESS WEEK: REST-WAKE UP TO THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTING

On this final day of our week of wellness, we rest. Rest is not only necessary when we feel tired but also needed to reset ourselves mentally and physically. It is crucial to grant ourselves downtime to regroup our energy. We can easily get caught up in the hustle of life, and for many of us, it’s important to keep going. But, offering ourselves rest allows us to operate in a more focused and energized state. Also, keep in mind that rest isn’t solely defined by sleep. From taking a nap to meditation or exercise, rest can come in many forms. 

Wake up to the importance of sleep

Getting sleep is a vital part of our routine. The amount of sleep we get impacts our overall health, affecting our body functions. The amount of sleep we get is a factor in the sleep equation, and the quality of that sleep is of equal value.  

There are several ways to prepare for a good night’s sleep. One of the things we can do is to put our phones away before bedtime. The blue light emitted from our phones tricks our brains into thinking it is daylight, this can make us more alert and disrupt our sleep cycle. Another useful tip is to create a sleeping environment that resembles a dark and cool cave. Creating a space that mimics a dark and cool cave promotes better sleep. This helps the brain produce melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep better. Lastly, meditation can help calm our minds and bodies and promote relaxation before bedtime.

Just breathe

Meditation, like rest, comes in different forms, but it can result in a more relaxed you. It is a technique that focuses on our breath and the present moment. Although it sounds simple enough, meditation requires practice, which makes it a great addition to your routine. The art of meditation allows us to power down and give our minds and bodies the rest and recharge that we need.

Meditation is a powerful and beneficial practice for both the body and mind. It goes beyond the moments of deep breathing, providing numerous advantages such as stress reduction, improved clarity, better sleep, and many more. For those new to meditation, a great way to start is with guided meditation, which can offer helpful prompts and instructions.

Move to relax

Movement is a great way to relax. Exercise helps to get the body moving and sweating, which helps to reduce and release stress. Even going for a 10-minute walk has been shown to improve our moods and release endorphins, which stimulate relaxation. We discussed the significance of movement on day 3 of this week’s wellness program.

By giving ourselves permission to rest, we open the door to a better-functioning version of ourselves that we can benefit from in the long run. With countless distractions and an overwhelming amount of stimuli, it is imperative that we unplug and recharge. So why not take a moment to prioritize your well-being and allow yourself to truly rest? Your mind and body will thank you.