Because there is a difference
between resting and sleeping does not mean that one is less important than the
other. Resting is when you are calm and relaxed with or without your eyes open. When you are resting, you do not
receive any of the benefits of sleep. Sleep tunes out your environment and the perception
of your surroundings.
During
sleep, your brain goes through stages to tune out your environment and rapid
eye movement (REM) sleep begins, which does not happen during resting. You are relaxed when you sleep, and resting can lead to
sleep (or a nap), but you can rest throughout the day without going to sleep.
Here are a few signs that your body
needs rest: exhaustion, dehydration, inability
to make decisions, everything annoys you, and sore muscles. These are
just a few signs that you should probably sit down, or lie down, somewhere
comfortable and quiet for a few minutes. Too much rest can lead to dozing off
and having a nap. A nap is closer to sleep than rest is, but a nap does not
give you the same benefits as sleep. Your brain needs to recharge and it does
that during actual sleep. There are benefits to napping (although actual
sleeping is more beneficial).
When you need rest, your body will
let you know. Some of the best ways to rest are simple and straight forward. When
in a quiet area, simply close your eyes and breathe. Breathe in, and breathe
out. Listen to small sounds around you. Enjoy the small things in life. After a
few minutes of this, you will be relaxed. Do not fall asleep here, that is not
the goal. The goal here is to rest and gather your thoughts for a quick energy
boost.
For most, feeling tired might lead you to think you need more sleep. While sleep is critical to feeling whole, rest can be more than your nightly hours of slumber. With complete and regular rest, you will restore your health, enhance your performance, and achieve an amazing sense of well-being. Below are guidelines to adding more rest into your life.
Plan a
Vacation-If you can't remember your last
vacation, it's time to plan one. Whether it's a local staycation or a
cross-country trip, vacations of any length help us take a pause from our daily
lives and stresses. It opens our eyes, senses and perspectives to a new place
and it allows us to appreciate what we have to come home to.
Take a
Nap-In many cultures, "biphasic
sleep” — which includes two separate periods of sleep every 24 hours, with one
in the afternoon and one at night — is the norm. While napping might not be
realistic for you every day, there's a body of scientific evidence suggesting
you might want to sneak a daytime rest when you can. Napping may boost memory, enhance productivity and concentration, increase alertness, improve
mood, stimulate creativity and problem-solving, decrease risk of heart disease, strengthen
the immune system,
and decrease stress. Listening to your body's signals is important for
you.
Take a
Silent Gratitude Minute-Living in the moment is easier
said than done. It helps calm your body and mind, allowing it to take
a brief break from the daily stressors all around you. Think about the moment, connect with your present
feelings, see what's around you in nature and ground yourself by thinking about
what you are grateful for today. This practice can zap physical and emotional
stress, putting your body and mind at ease.
Take a Time Out-Removing yourself from a stressful situation or anxious environment might be all you need to take a mental (and physical break). Think of it as your own little “time out” to connect with your thoughts, emotions, and body. Even a short, calming pause or prayer can help you rejuvenate in body, mind and spirit. It is important for busy people to turn off technology if they want quality rest.
Practices such as meditation, spending time in nature, yoga, tai chi or other
gentle movement practices can help create downtime. Whether you love reading,
or hikes, it is necessary to create space for deep rest - a state of being that
nourishes your mind-body-soul. Rest is how we balance our lives and renew
ourselves. Sleep and rest are not only interconnected but central to achieving
a full life. How would our world change if we allowed for more time to slow
down and rest?
”Nothing makes you feel better than when you get into a hotel bed,
and the sheets feel so good. Why shouldn’t you wake up like that every day?
Spend money on your mattress and bedding because these things make a difference
on your sleep and, ultimately, your happiness.”(Bobby Berk)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Is There A Difference
Between Sleep And Rest?” By Todd Hauptman
·
“Rest Vs Relaxation” by Daphne
Bryan
·
“Rest vs. Sleep: Know the Difference for
Whole Health” by AdventHealth
·
“The Difference between Resting and Sleeping” by
Jimmy
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