Many of us are realizing that despite all of our intentions to slow down, we are busier than ever.
Dominant culture dictates that our busy-ness is a badge of honor – the busier we are, the more we accomplish; the more we do, the more productive we are. But at what cost?
While work is a necessity, so is our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So how can we do what needs to be done while still building in the critical rest our body, mind, and heart need to sustain all the demands on us each day?
This Pause invites you to consider where you might choose to take a break and build more time for rest in your daily routine.
Find a quiet place where you can take a break for a few minutes.
Make yourself comfortable as you begin to slow down your breathing.
Think of a way that you build gentle movement into your day. Maybe it’s swaying to music, taking a short walk, or stretching when you wake up.
Think of a way you give yourself a mental rest break during the day. It might be reading, listening to a podcast, watching a show, or journaling, doodling or drawing.
Think of ways you connect with family, friends, or a pet, that help you feel loved.
If you’d like to add more physical, mental, and emotional rest into your day, consider taking a brief walk, journaling, or connecting with a friend today.
Still breathing slowly, begin to gently stretch, and notice how you feel after taking this rest break.
Cultivating more rest into your day — in short bursts — supports your body, mind, and heart, and promotes overall well-being.
For more information on the importance of rest, check out Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey.