Sunday - A day of Rest

SUNDAY. A day of rest.?

Are you exhausted and/or suffering from burnout ?

Do you wake up feeling exhausted?

Sleep isn’t the only kind of rest that we need. We are missing out on other types of rest. The result is a culture of high-achieving, chronically tired or burned-out individuals. We’re suffering from a rest deficit because we don’t understand the true power of rest.

Physical rest?can be passive or active. Passive physical rest includes sleeping and napping, while active physical rest means restorative activities such as yoga, stretching and massage therapy that help improve the body’s circulation and flexibility.

Do you start every day with a huge cup of coffee? You’re often irritable and forgetful, and a difficult time concentrating on work. Do you struggle to turn off your brain at night? Despite sleeping seven to eight hours, you wake up feeling as if you never went to bed! Maybe, you have a?mental rest?deficit?

Schedule short breaks to occur every two hours throughout the day; slow down. Keep a notepad by the bed to jot down any nagging thoughts that would keep you awake. Then put it aside.

The third type of rest we need is?sensory rest. Bright lights, computer screens, background noise and multiple conversations can cause our senses to feel overwhelmed. This can be countered by doing something as simple as closing your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day, as well as by intentionally unplugging from electronics at the end of every day. Intentional moments of sensory deprivation can begin to undo the damage inflicted by the over-stimulating world.

Creative rest?is especially important for anyone who must solve problems or brainstorm new ideas. Creative rest reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us. Do you recall the first time you saw the Pyramids of Giza, the ocean or a waterfall? Allowing yourself to take in the beauty of the outdoors (local park, woods garden) provides you with creative rest.

But creative rest isn’t simply about appreciating nature; it also includes enjoying the arts. Turn your workspace into a place of inspiration by displaying images of places you love and works of art that speak to you.?

Emotional rest.?Are you the person who says “yes” to everyone? Do you feel unappreciated and think others are taking advantage of you?

You need time and space to freely express your feelings and cut back on people pleasing. Have the courage to be authentic. Answer the question “How are you today?” with a truthful “I’m not okay” and then share some hard things that otherwise go unsaid.

Do you fail to differentiate between those relationships that revive us from those relationships that exhaust us? Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.

Spiritual rest?is the ability to connect beyond the physical and mental and feel a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance and purpose. Try engaging in something greater than yourself. Add prayer, meditation or community involvement to your daily routine.

Practice being rested, in more ways than one, otherwise burnout will take control of your life.

Remember, practice makes progress.?