A Lesson in Rest

Why is resting so hard?

For many of us, resting is hard because our brains are wired for survival. This means that our brains are constantly on the lookout for danger, and this can make it difficult for us to relax.

When we can't rest, we often think that something is wrong with us. This is because our nervous system is used to operating under high stress, and so doing nothing can be very uncomfortable.

When we do try to rest, our brain often resists because it doesn't want to notice any uncomfortable thoughts or emotions that may be lurking beneath the surface. However, by taking some time to rest, we can give our brains a much-needed break from the constant stress and distractions of everyday life.

There are many different types of rest, and so it's important to find the one that works best for you. Some people find that physical rest, such as sleeping or taking a nap, is most helpful. Others find that mental rest, such as taking short breaks throughout the day, is more beneficial. And still others find that sensory rest, such as taking a break from screens and background noise, is most refreshing.

No matter what type of rest you choose, it's important to make sure that you are intentional about it. This means taking some time out of your day to truly relax and rejuvenate, without any distractions.

By taking some time to rest, you can give your brain and body the break they need to function at their best. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a lesson from your body and give yourself some time to rest.

If you’re having trouble resting, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Make it a priority

If you want to make resting a part of your daily routine, you need to make it a priority. That means setting aside time for it and making it a non-negotiable part of your day.

2. Set the tone

Create an environment that’s conducive to resting. That might mean dimming the lights, burning some incense, or playing soothing music.

3. Get comfortable

Make sure you’re comfortable before you start resting. That means finding a comfortable position, whether that’s lying down or sitting up.

4. Let go of the distractions

One of the most important parts of resting is letting go of all the distractions in your life. That means putting away your phone, turning off the TV, and silencing any other noise.

5. Focus on your breath

Once you’ve let go of the distractions, focus on your breath. Breathe deeply and slowly, letting your body relax with each inhale and exhale.

6. Stay in the moment

It’s important to stay in the moment when you’re resting. That means letting go of any thoughts about the past or the future and simply focusing on the present.

7. Don’t worry about falling asleep

Falling asleep is not the goal of resting. In fact, it’s often better to stay awake and simply focus on relaxing your body and mind.

8. Get up when you’re done

When you’re done resting, get up slowly and mindfully. Don’t jump up abruptly and start your day in a hurry.

Taking the time to rest is important for your physical, mental, and emotional health. By making it a priority and creating a relaxing environment, you can make resting a part of your daily routine.

If you struggle with sleep, check out my Sleep Matters Course. It's designed specifically for mom who can't seem to catch a good night's sleep.

Click here to listen to the Moms Without Capes Podcast!