The busier we are, the less rest we allow ourselves. Still, a timeout is crucial if we want to stay sharp. In fact, getting enough rest makes you extra productive and creative – and also a lot happier.
It is important to hit the brakes. Our power button is always on. In this 24/7 society which we live in, it is always busy, busy, busy. The more, the better, the busier, the better.
It is more than crucial to take a break regularly. Even if it’s only for 2-5 minutes at a time per day. This can help you to find focus and peace in all the hustle and bustle.
The art of finding peace really starts with yourself. Give yourself the opportunity to take a break. Even if it’s only 2-5 minutes at a time.
When you are on autopilot for a long time and do not take rest or sleep seriously, this can have major consequences for your health.
When our body experiences stress, our body adapts to an emergency. A fight or flight reaction ensues.
Your brain instructs you to make stress hormones. Adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol play an important role in this. They make sure you’re ready for action.
This is a beautiful fact by nature, BUT with prolonged stress, the stress hormones are not sufficiently broken down and exhaustion is lurking. When, after stress ( think also of busy periods ) not enough time is taken to relax or recover, because the same situation arises again and again, there is a long-term stress.
The consequences of this affect many important body functions:
- Sleeping problems
- Malfunctioning of the immune system
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Muscle aches, cramps and headaches
Take a moment of rest every day
These are just some aspects that can cause long-term stress. You can imagine for yourself what this will do to not only your body, but also your mind and soul.
You can maintain all this by creating a moment of peace for yourself every 2.5 hours for at least 2-5 minutes in a day.
No conversation, no TV, no book, no phone.. literally nothing at all. What are 2-5 minutes compared to your health? Just ask yourself that question.
But how do I “de-stress” my body and mind?
Many people think of the word “rest” often only of sufficient sleep.
However, there are many more features of “rest”. Think of, for example;
Physical rest:
Active rest can be achieved through physical activities. Think for example of: yoga, stretching or massages. Daily use of a facial facial roller or dry brush for the body improve blood circulation and flexibility of the body.
Mental calm:
If you get up and are still tired, it can often be worrying at night. You go through the whole day and can’t fall asleep, or your subconsciously repeats everything in the night, so that you have not mentally taken enough rest. By writing off, you literally write off the thoughts. Try having a notebook on your night cupboard. Keeping an evening routine ensures that your body gets used to it and therefore falls asleep faster. Try to drink a warm cup of herbal tea every night and avoid caffeine.
Sensory rest:
We can’t get out of it anymore. Everywhere we go, what we look at has to do with getting incentives. Think of computer screens, telephone screens, advertising signs along the way, the radio. Create a regular moment of rest by closing your eyes and not having a blue light on for at least 1.5 hours before bedtime.
Emotional calm:
It’s not always easy to talk about your feelings, let alone express them. Nevertheless, it is very important to get these out of our system regularly. Try to write off or give an honest answer when someone asks how you are doing.
Social rest:
Surround yourself with people who carry a positive energy with them, take you for who you are and not just want something from you. People where you can really be yourself, even on your lesser days.
Spiritual tranquility:
By meditating daily, preferably in the morning and evening, a spiritual peace is important to make more connection with yourself, to feel love for others, to experience acceptance and to find a goal. Meditating does not have to take long and also not immediately perfect. There is no “perfect” meditation and nothing has to be done, everything is possible.
Namasté,
BWB
