How many ways are there to rest?
In last week’s blog I wrote, “Do what you can to help yourself, or the other miserable person, feel better. Often what is really needed is rest.” A lack of rest is damaging. Bodies don’t heal, brains struggle to be creative, and souls become brittle. It is vital that you find ways to rest, renew, revitalize yourself.
Begin at the beginning: stop moving. Sit or lie down and do nothing. When you are still your mind wanders, allowing creative connections to be made. Your body can relax and perhaps you will fall asleep. During sleep your body releases growth hormones for healing and repair while your brain processes the events of the day. Both daydreaming and dreaming at night allow your brain to make connections between your inner and outer life.
Maybe slowing down is not the answer. Too much sitting can create stiffness and apathy. How else can you relax? Have you ever argued with a child who is too tired to do homework and then minutes later they are running all around playing? There is wisdom there – it can be restful to engage in active play. Motion can increase energy. Walk, dance, do a 7-minute workout, or stretch – allow your body to do what helps you feel better.
These are the basics – notice what you need and find a balance between relaxing and moving. What if the basics aren’t enough? If you are feeling miserable or tired and neither stopping nor moving seem to be enough, consider some other ways to revitalize yourself.
Read a good book, listen deeply to music, memorize a poem, or gaze at a piece of art. Stepping outside your everyday reality to resonate with another’s creation allows you to connect across time and space. It is a miracle that you can feel another’s emotions and explore another’s thoughts whenever you are ready.
Read a good book, listen deeply to music, memorize a poem, or gaze at a piece of art. Stepping outside your everyday reality to resonate with another’s creation allows you to connect across time and space. It is a miracle that you can feel another’s emotions and explore another’s thoughts whenever you are ready.
Write a haiku, practice a yoga pose, organize your socks to perfection, do suduko, or a craft such as counted cross stitch. Focus your mind and body on something that is just hard enough to require your full attention.
This may require some planning so that you don’t intrude on others. It can feel amazing to be loud, to move with abandon, to use your whole being. Swim where you can splash as big as you can, sing at the top of your lungs, run as fast as you can, yell all the emotions you are holding inside. Drumming can be good for letting out your emotions in a big way. Stomp your feet and dance all your feelings.
Step outside – even in the worst weather step outside for a moment to notice what is going on in your part of the planet. Sit or lie down and watch the clouds. Listen. Create a little treasure of stones, shells, and acorns to keep nearby. Marvel at the understanding between you and your favorite creatures.
Resting – recharging – is an active choice. Essentially do the opposite of what has tired you out or made you miserable. If your day has been full of details then fingerpaint, scrub the tub or take a walk. If you have spent the day doing physical work then sit down and do a puzzle, read a book or nap. If you have had a quiet, studious day – get loud or visit chatty friends. If you have had a loud day, find a quiet corner.
I can hear you now: “All this sounds great, but when do I have time for that?!” That is next week’s blog. For now, let me say that staying miserable and exhausted doesn’t do anyone any good.
There are a lot of ways to recharge – I am looking forward to hearing about some of your ideas. Send an email to resilience@learnmodelteach.com , comment on our Facebook page, or respond on LinkedIn.
Peace,
Laura
