There’s nothing wrong with taking things head-on and being on the edge of your seat accomplishing great things. With the drive towards a 24/7, always-on work schedule, we don’t blame you for seeing rest as something that slows you down or (gasp!) – keeps you stuck!
Our brains have been wired to such notions for ages. But we don’t need to punish ourselves anymore for catching our breath after working our fingers to the bone. Taking a short break is now more welcome and necessary; society has learned to untangle guilt around it and is starting to take it (ironically) – very seriously.
If you’re someone used to being behind the wheel at all times and have no idea how to take the backseat once in a while, here are 3 tips to enjoy restorative downtime.
1. Know how you best relax.
First things first: what actually relaxes you? We have different takes on how to loosen up. For some it’s by meditating, for others it’s though guilt-free sleep or a bubble bath. To figure out your go-to relaxation activity, try to reframe how you feel – when have you most felt calm and at peace? What makes you breathe deep? What keeps you grounded and stable? Start small and go from there!
2. Mean it and be serious about it.
To “take five” is easier said than done. Not doing anything doesn’t always mean you’re relaxing, but resting intentionally and committing to it, is. When resting, it is important to close the doors to distractions and diversion. When we relax, we also need to learn what it really means.
Jor-El Caraballo, L.M.H.C., therapist and cofounder of Brooklyn-based therapy practice Viva Wellness, suggests “asking yourself what you hope to get out of your relaxation time each time you do it.” He goes on to ask: “Do you need to distract yourself from problems at work? Do you need to feel refreshed and ready to dive back into life? Do you need to calm your anxiety? Do you need to feel soothed and comforted?”
Keep these in mind before heading into your downtime, and we guarantee you’ll come out of it stronger than ever, which is really…
3. Gifting yourself with your best performance.
What if we told you waking up with less than the advised 7 hours of sleep a night can make you fatter, older, and less “game” for shall we say – “bedroom activities?” People who chronically lack sleep wake up more hungry due to lowered levels of ghrelin. They also have a preference towards sugary and fatty foods. They also have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood, and lower levels of testosterone – both of which contribute to pre-mature aging and lowered libido.
The gift of sleep, as unglamorous and “easy” as it is – is quite possibly the best thing you can do for yourself. And hey, it’s free!
So before you dive back into your life – remember that in the end, you come first – and with he time you put into your work, relationships, and yourself – it’s okay to deserve a time out.
—alike.com.ph
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