Edition: November 23rd, 2021
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Excerpts from article by William Cole, published on mindbodygreen.com
Are you tired of being tired? Working for long hours everyday people often find themselves needing rest more than ever. Rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and can come in many forms that are all equally important. Wellness isn’t just about the food you eat. It’s also about allowing yourself to rest so you can be the best, most thriving version of yourself every day.
Here are some types of rest to help you identify which one you need the most right now (Hint- It could be all five as well):
1. Taking A Break From Responsibilities
- Burnout is a very real thing and can come from taking on too much responsibility at once, without setting up healthy boundaries.
- Taking a breather is so crucial: You have to give yourself time to refill your own cup so that you have something to pour into others.
- A break from responsibility can look differently for everyone—whether that’s blocking off certain days of the week, taking a whole week’s pause, or going an entire season with nothing on your plate.
- You can’t beat burnout until you let yourself rest.
2. Spending Time With Yourself
- Within the grind of the day-to-day, setting time aside to be alone and enjoy your own company can leave you feeling more refreshed than you might expect.
- Spending time by yourself gives you the space to reflect on everything that is happening around you.
- Not only will this give you clarity into situations that may be driving you to the point of exhaustion, but it will also allow you to get to know yourself better.
- That will help you set healthy boundaries and know what you stand for when life gets stressful and tiring.
3. Ensuring Sufficient & Quality Sleep
- Sometimes, you just need actual sleep to feel rested.
- Since our society glorifies busyness, it can leave you burning the candle at both ends—too many late nights followed by early wake-up calls.
- Experts advise getting seven or more hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep every night to function optimally, if you aren’t getting that, it’s no wonder you feel exhausted all of the time.
- You might just need a nap to do the trick and get you through the day.
- But if you find yourself needing this kind of rest on a regular basis, it’s probably time to think about rehabbing your sleep habits.
4. Being In Natural Surroundings
- The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, can be a very restorative practice.
- Research even suggests it may help lower stress and support healthy inflammation levels.
- While it can be easy to forgo time outdoors in favour of hours in front of your TV or phone, there are virtually no studies that show a link between screen time and feelings of rest. In fact, it’s usually the opposite.
- So next time you are tempted to shut off and mindlessly tune in to technology, consider going for a walk instead.
- Even just 10 minutes can be enough to leave you feeling more refreshed.
5. Socialising With Those Who Help You Recharge
- In order for time spent with others to be truly refreshing, it needs to be with people around whom you can be your most whole, authentic self.
- While we should always strive to be ourselves in every situation, not everyone should be privy to your innermost struggles, thoughts, and feelings.
- Unfortunately, there are people out there who don’t have your best interests at heart, and sharing your challenges or dreams can be met with resistance, belittling, and discouragement—which can be truly exhausting to battle.
- Instead, spending time with those in your circle who build you up will leave you feeling rested, not drained.
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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