Rest isn't just about sleeping. Our bodies need to be able to return to a peaceful, calm state periodically through the day--often called the "rest and digest" response that our parasympathetic nervous system controls. We can activate this response in lots of different ways: taking a few deep breaths, sitting quietly with a cup of tea for 5 minutes, getting outside for a 10 minute walk, doodling, working a few more rows on a crochet project, or popping into the garden to weed. Any activity that helps your body get to a place of feeling safe and relaxed. 

If rest doesn't actually require a lot of time and is great for both our mental and physical health, why do we find it so hard? The big picture answer is that the systems we live in aren't built to support rest, but the particulars of how this plays out are different for everyone. 

Maybe you have young children and this season of life is so all-consuming it's hard to carve out pockets of time for yourself. Maybe your finances are tight and the stress of constantly monitoring what you can afford makes it hard for your body to feel safe and relaxed. Maybe you feel guilty sitting down and "wasting time". Maybe you actually don't know what helps your body feel safe and relaxed. Maybe your thoughts get really busy every time you slow down and that's uncomfortable. 

These are all real barriers. And yet. Your health and well-being are so valuable and vital that you deserve to prioritize your rest. It might take a lot of courage, or a lot of re-parenting or changing the narratives and patterns you're used to. It might mean asking for more help, which is undoubtedly hard. In the long run, though, it's worth it! 

What's your biggest barrier and how would you like to begin practicing rest more often?