The Power of a Rest Day
Since I was a little kid, I have never liked to sit still. I liked having plans, being on the go and staying active. In my adult life, this has only intensified. I love to spend my days busy and full of excitement! I typically pack my days out to their fullest potential and I always feel energized by staying busy and being with my people!
why rest is so important
My ideal day consists of a workout class (or two) with friends, spending time outside with my dog and husband, grabbing tea or a juice at Wonder, and cooking up delicious meals in the kitchen. However, when you throw in a 9 to 5 job, teaching yoga classes and the other obligations that life brings, it somehow becomes too much!
I spend a lot of my days working out before or after work and then trying to get outside as much as possible on the weekends. We love to rock climb, trail run, mountain bike, and ski – which tend to make our weekends active and tiring! After years of pushing it too hard and learning the hard way that sometimes it’s important to say no and to rest, I’ve finally started to find balance.
the importance of saying NO
I’ve learned that it’s OK to just come home on a weeknight. I’ve learned it’s OK to not work out every day of the week; in fact, it’s unhealthy to work out that much. And above all else, I’m learning (still learning), that it’s OK to say NO! I’ve always hated the word no and hate all that comes along with it, but in my late 20’s it’s bringing me balance and contentment. I’m learning to enjoy the little things and am taking the time to slow down. I’m a true extrovert at heart, but I’m learning that even extroverts need time to rest and recharge.
And taking time to slow down and rest has led me to find my new favorite past time: self-care. I’m enjoying taking more intentional time for myself, whether that is taking a long Epsom Salt bath, getting a massage or trying a new recipe. I’m trying to incorporate all of these things into a solid rest day at least once a week.
developing a weekly ritual
My new weekly ritual is that a minimum of one day a week, I have vowed to come home after work, try a new recipe, take a long bath, spend time with my husband and hit the hay early! Things like meditation, having a cup of tea, sitting in the sunshine or writing in a journal can all be forms of self care. There are so many variations that can help form the perfect and simple rest days. Try vowing to create space in your week for a rest day at least once a week and develop your own variations of self care.
