Self-care

REST AND RELAXATION

Yes I am reiterating the importance of REST AND RELAXATION….both are essential components of ensuring optimal functioning. I know we are all trying to cope with the daily demands of life, however,……

I have heard innumerable excuses, from friends and clients, regarding their inability to include rest and relaxation in their lives… “I am too busy”; “I have a deadline to meet”; “I need to fetch the kids from school and then take them to activities”; ” I have an exam coming up”; ” I need to prepare meals” are just a few examples.

When baking a cake you might ‘forget’ to include a basic ingredient – upon eating it you become aware that it ‘tastes funny’, as if something is missing. Upon reflection you realize that, in your haste, an essential element was omitted. While the cake might still edible it fails to satisfy.

Ros’s recipe for a healthy life:

• an abode in which you feel safe
• small, healthy meals
• drinking sufficient water
• regular good sleep
• sufficient rest and relaxation
• good communication
• an understanding of yourself
• a spiritual belief

You are short changing yourself by not including some rest and relaxation into the mix of your life.

As well as replenishing our energy levels REST and relaxation are essential for physical, emotional and mental health.

Ok so how will I benefit from rest and relaxation?

1. Reduces stress and anxiety
2. Improves mood
3. Boosts attention and concentration
4. Better memory and judgement
5. Assists to reduce chronic pain
6. Improves metabolism and your immune system
7. Lowers blood pressure

Reaching your ‘Ceiling’

Remember that we are all human and everybody has a ‘ceiling’. Recharging our batteries is a sign of strength, not failure. Becoming aware that you are feeling depleted/fatigued, accepting this and giving yourself permission to add self care to your life will optimize your ability to cope.

Once you have decided that self care is indeed important, any amount of time, even brief periods, set aside for this pursuit is valuable. Consult your list to decide on your choice for that day and initiate.

Stay in the Present

With regard to relaxation please ensure that you stay in the present and savour!! Thinking about your issues, deciding the dinner menu or listening to Podcasts all involve stimulating various parts of your brain and will interrupt your attempt to relax. If, however, thoughts continue to intrude, direct your focus on a beautiful tree, flower or scene in nature. If you have difficulty visualizing I suggest looking at photo will help to focus your attention on the here and now.

If, however, you have difficulty falling asleep at night, music, guided meditation or mindfulness Podcasts can certainly assist, by focussing your attention on your breathing, and distracting you from thinking. These tools will assist in improved sleep. Ensure that the voice to which you are listening is pleasing to your ear.

Using an eye-mask can certainly be most beneficial.

PLEASE PRIORITIZE REST AND RELAXATION

Take care, stay safe, remember that smiling and laughter are good for all of us.