Embracing the art of Rest : My New Superpower

Dear Y.O.U (Just in case you are new, it is our acronym for Yourself, Original & Unpologetic - encouraging you to approach fitness in your own unique way)

Long time no chat! The past year has been a whirlwind. Between launching a new project- Life Sherpas, a project aimed at establishing global mental health peer support for women, utilizing a combination of peer support and professional guidance, and juggling family life, I haven't exactly been the poster child for relaxation. And guess what? I totally hit that burnout wall. Exhausted, overwhelmed, and feeling like a deflated balloon like the image below – it wasn't pretty.

But here's the good news: I finally realized that rest isn't some indulgence; it's the key to getting my F.I.T (Focused, Innovative, and Tenacious) groove back!

So, yeah, taking a break isn't about being lazy. It's about giving myself the resources I need to be the best version of Esta for Y.O.U, my amazing F.I.T readers. And guess what? It's been working wonders! I have more energy, clearer focus, and even the creativity is starting to flow again.

So let's talk about rest in today's go-go-go world, it feels like a four-letter word, something to be squeezed between emails and errands. But here's the secret sauce: rest is not some luxury reserved for mythical creatures, it's a non-negotiable necessity.

Think of your body like a car. You wouldn't drive it across the country without ever stopping for gas. The same goes for your amazing machine. Chronic stress and a lack of recovery lead to burnout – that feeling of being completely fried, both physically and mentally is not exactly the recipe for a happy and productive FIT life.

Think of it like this: how can you expect to run a marathon when you haven't even refuelled?

This week in FIT Letters, we're all about embracing the art of rest and why it's the ultimate weapon against burnout. Let's ditch the hustle mentality and dive into various ways we can embrace the art of Rest :

• Physical Rest: Beyond Just Sleep (Although Sleep is Pretty Awesome!). Sleep is crucial, but rest goes beyond those glorious Zzz's. Listen to your body's whispers (or maybe shouts!) – does it crave a midday stretch session? A relaxing bath after a long day? Prioritize activities that leave you feeling physically rejuvenated.
• Mental Rest: Quieting the Chatter. Our minds are constantly bombarded with information. Sometimes, they need a break! Think meditation, mindful walks in nature, or simply colouring in an adult colouring book (don't judge, it's surprisingly therapeutic!). Find activities that quiet the mental chatter and allow your mind truly unwind.
• Emotional Rest: Feel It to Heal It. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes we need to feel our emotions. Suppressing them can be a recipe for disaster. Give yourself permission to cry, to vent to a trusted friend, or to journal your feelings. Allowing yourself to process emotions is a form of rest that shouldn't be neglected.
• Social Rest: Introverts Unite! (And Extroverts, Too). Social interaction is important, but even the most outgoing among us need some alone time to recharge. Don't feel guilty about saying no to social commitments if you need a solo

Burnout Blues | Spot the Warning Signs Before You Hit Rock Bottom.

We all get stressed sometimes, but burnout is a whole other beast. Let's learn to recognize the early warning signs before things get ugly. Here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for:

• Constant Fatigue: Feeling exhausted even after a good night's sleep is a red flag.
• Cynicism and Negativity: Feeling constantly down and cynical about everything is a sign your emotional reserves are running low.
• Reduced Productivity: Struggling to focus and getting bogged down by tasks that used to be easy could indicate you're operating on fumes.
• Increased Irritability: Feeling like a short fuse ready to explode at any moment? Rest is calling, my dear friend.

Bonus Tip: Treat rest like that important meeting you wouldn't dare miss. Schedule "rest breaks" in your calendar! Take a walk in nature, get lost in a good book, or simply practice some deep breathing. Your future self will thank you.

So tell me, what are your biggest struggles when it comes to prioritizing rest?

Spill the tea in the comments below! Whether you're a rest pro or a total newbie, let's create a supportive community where we can collectively embrace the power of rest.

Stay tuned for next week's FIT letter, where we'll dive deeper into creating your personalized rest routine. (You can share this letter with someone you know needs to REST!)

Wishing you a week filled with intentional rest and renewed energy!

Until then...

Stay Focused, Innovative and Tenacious (F.I.T),

Esta.