The Importance of Rest & Self-Attunement
We live in a society that glorifies busyness. We're told that the more we do, the more valuable we are. But this is simply not true. Rest is not a dirty word. It's not laziness. It's a necessary part of life and vital for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Many of us feel guilty when we rest. We feel like we're wasting time or being unproductive. But rest isn't about doing nothing. It's about allowing your body and mind to rejuvenate. It's about creating space for creativity and innovation.Here are three types of rest to consider when it comes to taking care of oyur mental health:
Emotional Rest: This type of rest involves activities or practices that help in reducing emotional stress and anxiety. It's about giving yourself permission to express your feelings and emotions openly without fear of judgement, and also about setting boundaries to protect your emotional energy.
Sensory Rest: Sensory rest is essential in our technology-driven world where we're constantly exposed to the lights of screens, background noise, and multiple conversations. It involves taking time to reduce sensory input, such as turning off screens, seeking silence, or retreating to a quiet place.
Mental Rest: Mental rest is about giving your brain a break from the constant barrage of thoughts and worries. It could involve activities like meditation, taking a walk in nature, or engaging in a hobby that doesn't require intense concentration. It's about letting your mind just 'be', without the need to problem-solve or plan. This is one of my favorite quotes by Abraham Heschel: “If you work with your hands, Sabbath with your mind. If you work with your mind, Sabbath with your hands.”
Rest and Self-Attunement
When we rest, we create room for self-attunement - the process of paying attention to our own needs and feelings. It's during these quiet moments of rest that we can tune into our inner selves, recognize what we need, and take steps to fulfill those needs.
So, how can we incorporate rest into our busy lives? Start by scheduling it. Make it a non-negotiable part of your day. It could be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk, meditating, or reading a book.
Rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Let's embrace it and recognize it for what it truly is - a vital part of our well-being and a tool for self-attunement.
We hope this episode has helped you recognize the importance of rest and how it can create room for self-attunement. Remember, it's not just about doing more; it's about being more.
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