5 reasons why rest is vital in your self discovery journey
If there is one fight I never thought I would win when it comes to my inner critic, it would be the one that I had for years with REST.
“Rest” was the ultimate dirty word to me and I had SUCH a hard time realizing that it is actually so important + beneficial. I was convinced that if I sat down during the day to just be, relax, and recharge., I would combust. Burnout was always right around the corner for me and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why until my therapist enlightened me.
Slowly but surely, I started to realize that running myself ragged just to be seen as productive and avoid sitting with myself was having such a negative impact on me. I started implementing small pockets of rest through out my day and noticed such a profound impact on my physical and emotional well being. Take it from someone that was scared as hell to stop hustling and start resting, it really is such an important thing to do and it will not derail your life or your goals. It will actually enhance them and allow you to become step into your self discovery journey more fully.
Here are 5 wonderful reasons why rest is so very important and imperative to your self discovery journey:
1. Recharge and rejuvenate: Resting allows your body and mind to recharge and rejuvenate. Just like a battery, we need time to replenish our energy levels. When we push ourselves too hard without taking breaks, we become depleted and our productivity and overall well-being suffer. Taking time to rest allows us to replenish our energy and come back stronger and more focused.
2. Mental clarity and creativity: Resting gives our minds the space to relax and recharge, which can lead to increased mental clarity and creativity. When we are constantly on the go, our minds can become cluttered and overwhelmed. Taking breaks and allowing ourselves to rest can help clear our minds, allowing for fresh ideas and innovative thinking to emerge.
3. Stress reduction: Resting is a powerful tool for stress reduction. When we are constantly in a state of busyness and hustle, our stress levels can skyrocket. Taking time to rest and relax can help lower stress hormones, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. It allows us to step away from the demands of daily life and find a sense of calm and balance.
4. Self-care and self-compassion: Resting is an act of self-care and self-compassion. It is a way of honoring and prioritizing our own well-being. When we make rest a priority, we are sending a message to ourselves that we are deserving of care and nurturing. It is a reminder that we are not defined solely by our productivity or achievements, but by our overall well-being and happiness.
5. Enhanced productivity and performance: Contrary to popular belief, rest can actually enhance productivity and performance. When we are well-rested, we are more focused, alert, and able to perform at our best. Taking breaks and allowing ourselves to rest can prevent burnout and improve our ability to concentrate and problem-solve. It allows us to work smarter, not harder.
So, if you find yourself constantly pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion, I encourage you to embrace the power of rest. Give yourself permission to take breaks, to relax, and to recharge. Remember that rest is not a sign of weakness, but rather a crucial component of being able to show up for yourself in the best way. By prioritizing rest, you are investing in your own well-being and setting yourself up for success in all areas of your life.