Find Your Rest
Wherever you are in the world, I hope my words find you in good health, and that you’re in a safe and warm place. It was quite late in the night when I began to write this but I couldn’t let January go by without putting up another blog. This piece is just to offer you some gentle reminders and tools for your self-nourishment. I’ll save all the rosy and flowery words for the writing in February.
For those of us who are living in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter is settling in around us. With shorter days, longer nights and less sunlight, it is only natural that we all feel a dip in our overall energy, crave more rest and tend to withdraw into our own world more than usual. Rest is especially important this winter. After all, our whole world, our daily lives, and our entire system (mind-body-spirit) have been extremely challenged from the tensions and the stress of the pandemic, along with many other turbulences over this past year.
All things retreat and rest in this season. So we humans must listen to our body and honor its need for rest. Although sleep and rest are two different things, I wanted to include both of them here as they are equally important. Find the rest that you have been needing and make it a priority. I will continue to update this list as I go. And if you don’t see me updating my blog for some time, please understand that I, too, must practice what I preach. Happy Resting! :-)
Sleep & Good Sleep Hygiene:
Having adequate amount of sleep: 7-9 hours/night for adults; 10-12 hours/night for children and teenagers.
Unplugging yourself from all electronic devices at least 1 hour before bedtime. That includes silencing and putting away cell phone, and turning off computer, television, video game, etc. If you’re a parent, you can model this for your children/teens. And please refrain from watching any disturbing news or violent movies/show right before bedtime.
Taking a warm bath/shower, adding some ambient music, dimming the light, diffusing some essential oils and keeping a relaxing ambiance in your bedroom or around the space where you sleep. All these can help calm your senses and send signals to your body to prepare it for a more restful sleep.
Keeping a consistent structure of nightly routine, good sleep hygiene and adequate amount of sleep will help you and your children/teens maintain stability in your daily functioning, emotional and mental health, especially with performance in work/school/mental tasks.
Physical Rest:
Taking a brisk walk or a leisure bike ride in nature (if weather permits)
Playing fetch with your dog in the outdoors (if you have one)
Cuddling or playing with your cat (if you have one)
Practicing restorative yoga (with proper guidance of a trained teacher via Zoom/YouTube if you’re not familiar with it)
Stretching, massaging, acupuncture, cupping, Reiki, foam-rolling
Naps and a restful night sleep
Mental Rest:
Taking daily (15-30min) breaks from the screens (i.e., computer/TV/cellphone, etc.) or shutting down your devices completely
Putting on your headphone, closing your eyes, tuning into some relaxing music/nature sound
Reciting mantras, affirmations, poems, loving words/messages, etc.
Emotional Rest:
Reaching out to a trusted adult (i.e., spouse/partner, family member, mentor, pastor, confidante, therapist or life coach) who can hold a safe and private space for you to check in and share your true feelings
Expressing your feelings and experiences through the arts of storytelling, spoken words, writing or journaling
Having a good cry in the comfort of your private space. (It is a good release, especially if you have not gotten one in a while).
Social Rest:
Unfollowing anyone and unsubscribing from any social network channels that do NOT promote positive, healthy or uplifting messages that elevate your mind, heart and spirit. (This is for folks who consistently engage in social media use).
Uninstalling your social network apps from your phone for a day, a week, or a month. Let’s see how you’ll respond to it, and note what benefits it will give to your system and your life. Just like any other addiction, social media addiction is REAL.
Connecting more with people who fuel your passion, give you inspiration, and feed your heart and soul. Disengaging from any social interactions that are not pouring into you or nurturing you. (If being around a person or engaging with a person drains your energy, it may be a RED FLAG).
Finding your personal space away from the noise and chaos of everyday life for some alone time. If you have a partner/loved ones, do let them know of your need for some alone time and coordinate household responsibilities accordingly. Do re-join your loved ones in your regular activities when you’re done with your alone time.
Sensory Rest:
Looking at your surrounding and naming all the colors that you see (Do it right now!)
Sound bath or listening to nature sound/music/podcast that rejuvenates, inspires and nurtures your spirit
Running your fingers through your pet’s fur is especially therapeutic and grounding (and your pet may love it, too!)
Tasting, savoring and enjoying your favorite food/snack/beverage of your choice (in moderation and healthy amount)
Activating your olfactory system with essential oils, a good-smelling cup of tea/coffee, and/or a cooking session with various herbs/spices, etc.
Creative Rest:
Decorating your space, gardening, and taking care of your (indoor) plants
Drawing, coloring, painting, writing, making crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, photography, singing or playing an instrument
Dancing, sculpting, cooking, viewing/admiring arts, going for walks/hikes in nature, etc.
Spiritual Rest:
Smudging or lighting incense to cleanse your space
Chanting, meditation, breathing exercises, practicing yoga, doing prayers, reading scriptures, listening to sermons, etc.
Disclaimer: If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms of low energy, oversleeping or insomnia, overeating or lack of appetite, lack of motivation on a regular basis, moodiness, constant worries, anxiousness or extreme sadness, increasing substance use and increased self-isolation, please consider speaking with a qualified mental-health professional or a licensed healthcare provider for a consultation.
Recommendation: If you use essential oils, please do your research on the company where the oils are processed. It is best to look for the company that can ensure the quality of the oils through tests/results, and if you can, purchase the certified organic ones. Please keep them away from your pets, especially cats as they are toxic for cats. Consult a veterinarian when possible. If you use incense, please make sure they are high-quality and natural, as many out there are synthetic and can compromise your health. Keep your space well ventilated when you smudge or use incense. Before use, please consult your doctor regarding any health risks.