The Rest We Need

Life is an endless cycle of to-do lists, and in the bargain we tend to leave rest behind, don’t take it seriously, or treat it as a luxury or feel guilty about that break.

What we fail to realize is that rest is imperative. It is as essential as the food we need to sustain ourselves. Without rest, we risk burnout or functioning like zombies. Rest pumps fresh energy into us, rejuvenating us so we’re happy and productive.

The many faces of rest.

Physical rest—taking a break from intense physical activity, slowing down, and getting enough sleep amounts to physical rest.

Mental rest—it's the quiet when you give yourself permission not to make decisions for a while or solve problems or keep all your tabs running.

Social rest—Sometimes we need to step away from conversations, social gatherings, and simply enjoying your own company.

Digital rest—When screen time is reduced to a bare minimum, as we break free from incessant scrolling, reacting, replying, or sharing, we are giving ourselves that much-needed, physical, mental,  time on a digital detox.

Spiritual rest – is the act of surrender and trust as you let go of control, turn to prayer, silence and meditation, and gratitude, while appreciating the present moment.  

Motherhood and Rest

Motherhood has brought joy, anxious moments, plenty of learning, and little rest. In the early years, I've played cook, cleaner, escort, chaperone, teacher, supervisor, besides taking care of the home, and I hardly had a moment to call my own. The word ‘rest’ didn’t figure in my vocabulary, even though my better half did chip in when he was around and able to. (He worked overseas.) It's heaven when you’re able to catch those forty winks or assign some me time for yourself.

When the children are older, it’s a wee bit easier to make time for yourself and enjoy that much-needed rest.

Rest is self-care, and self-care is important because you can’t pour from an empty cup.

 

“Why is it hard for people to stop and rest? Asked the squirrel.

“Because someone taught them that they only matter when they are running,” answered the elephant.

(Anonymous)

Remember to take care of yourself. Sometimes you are so busy taking care of others that you forget that you are important too. 

Image credit: AI-generated image

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) challenge with the theme word REST.