We live in a caffeinated, adrenal world with competing demands placed upon our ‘bodymind’ for most of our waking hours. We’re all aware of the frequent drive to achieve in every realm of modern life – work life, home life, family life, and social life. Often there is little space left for us to pause and top up our depleted systems. We really need time where there is an absence of striving and a complete absence of ambition.
People regularly say to me that they just don’t have time to nurture themselves… but soon enough your system will falter and it’s more that you can’t afford NOT to take the time out to rest. If you leave yourself open to fatigue you become susceptible to burnout, illness and injury. Chances are your enforced rest will come at a time of even less convenience!
So give yourself permission to rest and it will allow you to give more to the pursuits in your life and to actually enjoy them more. Self-care is not selfish! It is not a luxury. It is essential so that you can keep giving and keep going. End of sermon.
Without decent R&R, this is what you miss out on…
~ Time out allows healing, cleansing and purification to occur – physiological regeneration on a cellular level and a replenishment of the energy stores on an emotional and psychological level.
~ Seeking stillness stimulates growth and cultivates sensitivity. We all need time to regroup and to take stock. This quiet reflection helps us think clearly and make sound decisions that are more in tune with our soul’s longings.
~ Time spent on your own in contemplation opens your eyes to opportunities around you. It changes your focus so that you can go back to your daily routine with fresh eyes.
~ Rest puts you back in touch with your body so you know when to push and when to yield – vital in establishing a healthy balance.
So how do you do it? Here are 9 ways to unwind:
- switch off your mobile phone
- manage or avoid intake of stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, chemical)
- commit to getting the amount of sleep you know you need to function well
- find a place that can be your little oasis of calm. Bask in the healing power of Nature. If you can’t get in it – close your eyes and imagine it
- try a CD of guided relaxation, meditation or yoga nidra
- just listen to your breath – cultivate a sense of effortless, soft belly breathing. You can do this ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.
- spend time with naturally uplifting people
- book in for a massage or any other holistic therapy
- Try a restorative yoga pose. These can stimulate blood flow to areas in the body that have become ‘stuck’ and open up the breathing passageways to allow deeper relaxation. Try reclining butterfly pose: lie on your back, bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Allow your knees to sink down towards the floor, using cushions beneath for comfort. Rest your arms by your sides with the palms facing upwards or place them gently on your abdomen. Chill out and breathe here for 5 to 10 minutes.
It’s unlikely that any of these ideas are new to you. This is all intuitive stuff! But ask yourself, what kind of priority do you give to rest and relaxation in your life? Make the commitment to scheduling in regular rejuvenation time and feel the difference! You deserve it and the dividends will ripple out beyond you.
If you’re struggling to find time to look after yourself or genuinely don’t know how to relax, please get in touch. I have some sure fire tools to have you feeling replenished in no time.
Love to all,
Suz xx
Suzy is available for counselling, coaching and private yoga sessions at her consulting room in Cammeray, Sydney, home visits, coaching via phone or skype, and ‘walk & talk’ sessions by appointment.
Contact Suzy at: suzy@suzyreading.co.uk
Follow Suzy at: www.facebook.com/SuzyReadingPsychologyAndYoga
If this article resonates with you please share with your friends and loved ones.