Taking the time to rest, relax, and recharge is incredibly important. No, I don’t necessarily mean getting a good sleep – but that is also very important! What I mean by rest is allowing yourself that down time at the end of the day to unwind, where you can watch your favourite TV show, play that video game you’ve been itching to get back to, read a good book, hang outside with the trees and the flowers, or whatever else makes you feel at rest. This is especially important when you begin to feel the effects of burnout, and is vital to preventing burnout as well.
Resting and relaxing provide key benefits for our bodies and minds. Below are just a few of the reasons why you should start incorporating rest into your daily routine.
Reduces Stress
Firstly, rest helps to reduce stress, and I think we could all use a break from feeling irritable, having high heart rates, and shooting cortisol through our systems. This can also have a positive effect on your immune system as a secondary benefit of reducing stress. When we’re stressed, our immune systems are actually suppressed and not working to their full capacity, which makes it more likely for us to catch an illness, like a cold or the flu. This is like that old saying of hitting two birds with one stone: rest, reduce stress, and improve your immune system all in one!
Boosts Creativity
Have you ever had a creative block you just couldn’t get through? Resting can help! It actually allows you to reflect on your creative work and can inspire new solutions around the block. This is why it is especially important for artists and people in creative careers to create that space in their schedule to rest.
Improves Productivity
When your body feels really fatigued, remember that your brain is, too. Our brains don’t function as well when they’re tired, which is another reason why we need rest. In addition to boosting productivity, rest also enhances our decision making. When your brain is fatigued, it can’t concentrate as well. Resting refreshes your brain, and allows you a new perspective to make better decisions.
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