First we rest
Within the R.I.C.H. Life Framework, we first talk about rest. But what is Rest?
The term "rest" can have various definitions, including a pause from doing something. Rest is a moment to unwind amidst life's chaos. There is great value in prioritizing physical, emotional and mental relaxation.
Rest is recharging, recovering and restoring.
I find solace in brief pauses throughout the day. When I can, I’ll sit in a comfy chair and close my eyes. I may play an audiobook, some relaxing music, or a mediation app. Or I’ll sit and do nothing. If I end up taking a quick nap, then that’s what I need.
Rest doesn't have to be in a quiet cozy corner of your home, although that is lovely. During my train commute, I rested. Granted, it wasn’t my quiet living room, but I could rest and recharge. I also used to walk to my work’s cafeteria and sit outside when the weather allowed. For reference, this spot was in the middle of New York City, so it wasn’t quiet. It was a different space from my office, allowing me a few minutes to restore energy.
Let’s say you lay down and then your mind goes in circles? Yep, I’ve been there. That's when mindfulness practices become important. I’ll listen to a book, a podcast or music. Another helpful tool is using a meditation app. This is the perfect opportunity to apply mindfulness exercises, especially if you've tried them before. Observe your thoughts and feelings. Let pass by like clouds in the sky. Remember, this is a time for mindfulness practice, not perfection.
Rest is relative.
What is restful for you may not be restful for me. I love swimming or sitting in a hot tub, but I don’t like baths. Perhaps it's because I lack a nice big tub, but I don't find sitting in a bath enjoyable. Just because someone finds something restful doesn't mean you will.
Find what’s restful for YOU.
Rest isn’t a privilege. It’s essential. And it’s not laziness.
Before going further, let’s talk about laziness for a moment. When I think about rest, I sometimes get triggered that I’m being lazy. How about you?
There is this idea that we have to earn rest. I’m here to tell you (and to remind myself) that rest isn’t earned. It’s a biological and psychological need.
I fear that laziness is too easily attributed to people who need more time to recharge and recover. Not everyone has lots of energy all the time. And there are many reasons for it: physical and mental health, medications, past traumas, burnout, or sleep disturbances.
We don’t know what others are going through, but others don’t know what we are experiencing. So let’s not judge others. Or ourselves.
Rest is your power-saving mode.
Have you seen the saying, “I’m not lazy. I’m in power saving mode.” I love this. There is such a thing as too much of something isn’t necessarily healthy. Perhaps what is coming across as laziness is fear, procrastination or distraction. But for now, we’re going to address that it’s okay to rest. It’s more than okay. You NEED to rest.
Let’s explore some examples of rest. This BetterHelp article identifies seven types of rest.
Physical
Emotional
Mental
Social
Sensory
Creative
Spiritual
Examples:
A lazy stroll outside to clear your mind.
Laying down while listening to music or an audio book.
Curling up in bed to read.
Watching a TV show or movie.
Sitting or laying down closing your eyes. Taking deep breaths and letting your mind wander.
Taking a nap.
Meditating.
Painting or drawing.
Taking a solo afternoon or day to give yourself some space from people in your life. This is especially important for my fellow introverts and highly sensitive persons.
Use a meditation app. There are a lot of great ones but I use Headspace and Calm.
Read spiritual or religious writings.
Journal.
Remember, how we rest is relative. And what you found restful years ago may not be what you need or want now.
What is going to allow you to recharge, restore, and recover right now? Trust your instincts. If you can’t rest at this moment, give yourself the time later. Rest is an integral part of the RICH Life Framework because it’s a central aspect of self-care. We are the only ones who will truly take care of ourselves. In order to take care of others, we need to care for ourselves.
For more on self-care, read my blog here.