We can be tempted to think of work and rest as opposites. Work is active and valuable. Rest, passive and secondary. But I believe.. that this is not a complete picture or how it should be prioritized at all.

Learning how to recharge is a skill that will allow you to enjoy life more.
So, today we look at how to rest.
Rest, it’s completely natural yet to take rest seriously, we must give it a higher priority, nurture it and protect it. Growing any skill can take time, and with all skill learning, all we can do is bring mindful attention to areas we would like to grow in.
We are creatures of habit. This is good news as it means we can use scheduling to get ourselves into a rythem. The big news is that we can choose rest on purpose.

I recently read this wonderful little article on rest and how to optimize it – I love easy breezy life hacks like these.

My own relationship with rest can be strange. I have observed that rest doesnt always show up for me in a mindful way. Faux rest, is a trap for me. Zoning out on my phone, or resting by pottering about with chores. Its not restful.

I aim to find more time to be in real rest, leisure breaks for mind and body. Space and time that allows me to simply be. For example, I can spend 3 hours on tv, and not be nearly as rested as a short half our walk in the trees. Relocating myself to nature is one of my favorite rests. Staring at the night sky, also does it. It removes me from all the ‘shoulds’, and distractions. Its possible I was a cat in a past life as simply staring out a window is one of my favorite states of being. Sure It takes more mindful intention than a zone out into media, but the reward is also more.

Be honest with yourself about makes you feel rested and make room for it
Rest is not idleness in function. Spending time to lay on grass under the trees, feeling the sun on a summers day, listening to the trickling water, or watching clouds float across the sky, is no a waste of time. Spend time in a bath with a book, practice your favorite art form, take 5 minute breathwork breaks more often. Turn your notifications off. Play. Rest. Relax.
Best.