Happy 2023 everyone! After the busy holidays, the big “R” on most people’s minds is resolutions.
Since the latest stats report that only 9% to 12% follow through on their resolutions, I think it’s more beneficial to consider some daily R & R, that is taking time to renew and refresh with rest. However, I’m not talking about the long winter’s nap kind, or the importance of getting eight hours of sleep each night.
There are four types of “rest stops” that are excellent daily practices when done in order. They are recovery, restoration, recreation and celebration.
No need to worry – these practices won’t take up half your day. Their purpose is to give your mind and body a quick break to restore your energy.
Recovery rest means taking a short time out to be outdoors in nature, which can be right outside your front door. It’s a few minutes to listen to the birds, watch the trees sway in the breeze, let your mind wander and think about nothing. If you can’t get outside, you can water a plant or stand by a window and observe.
The key to recovery is to connect with nature in some way to break your mental or physical activity for 5 to 10 minutes. When you resume your activity, you’re rested and refreshed.
Restoration is about reconnecting with yourself by journaling, giving yourself a hand massage, drinking a cup of tea or talking with a friend if you’re feeling “off track.”
These activities don’t have to be lengthy, and neither does the third type of rest which is recreation.
Researchers say your recreational activities are more effective and enjoyable if you take a little time to rest and relax first. With your energy recharged, you’re more likely to enjoy playing a sport, going to a museum or taking an exercise class. Yes, there are stats to prove that too.
Celebration is the last form of rest because noting your daily accomplishments generates positive chemistry in your body. Taking the time to acknowledge your successes can be a journaling activity or shared with a loved one in a way that works best for you.
The key here is to pause and take stock of what is working and what you’ve done well. What a way to rest, right?
On that note, my New Year wishes are for your daily health and happiness wrapped in restfulness, with this in mind by Ravi Shankar: “Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have.”
Writer, editor and speaker Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Contact her at Cheryl@starheart.com.
