We’ve finally made it to the end of January and for lots of us it’s been a tough month. There has been so much illness around and it’s really highlighted the issue of rest. I think part of the reason we’ve been hit so hard is that lots of us were so exhausted from all the extra work and pressure of Christmas. Winter should be a time of slowing down and nourishing ourselves, but that’s not really what December seems to be about, especially for women.
Then because we’re not rested, we’ve overindulged and we’re tired and depleted, we’re more susceptible to bugs, leading to the amount of sinus and chest infections, tummy bugs and long-lasting viruses that have been hammering everyone.
My January nemesis was a nasty bout of shingles, which I soon realised was a big wake-up call. I’m always telling clients and friends to rest, and I know all the reasons and benefits, but wow it was hard! And from talking to friends, it’s not just me.
So why is genuine, restorative rest so difficult? Why do we feel so guilty when we slow down? Why do we get so restless when things get quiet?
It’s probably different for everyone, and if you are finding it tricky to allow yourself decent rest, it would be worth reflecting more on this so you can work through some of these blocks. Because believe me – rest is not a privilege, it’s not a luxury, and it’s not something that has to be earned. Rest is a necessity for good physical and mental health.
My reflections during those uncomfortable first few days of cancelling work and trying to take it easy brought up a few different issues that I wonder if you’ll resonate with.
It is easy to equate worth with productivity. Whether it was with my business or our home, I felt pressure to achieve something every day, or I’d feel I’d somehow failed. And added to that was guilt because my husband was out at work. Many of us seem to have been conditioned to believe that we have to be constantly productive, and that we have to maintain certain standard to be ‘successful’. It was a big mind shift to accept that, while I was unwell and recuperating, some chores, emails and commitments would get ignored and that would be ok.
Of course there are some things that do just have to get done, especially when you are caring for a family. And with that comes the temptation to push through and be a martyr, even though there could be an easier way. Whenever other people are ill I offer to help and I mean it, so why is it so hard to accept the help we are offered? We know it takes a village, so let’s start acting like a village, giving and accepting support when we can.
Being in a quiet house also made me realise how many low-value distractions there are. We can kid ourselves that we’re resting when we’re mindlessly scrolling or watching whatever comes on tv. But is that really giving our nervous systems the reset they need? Is it releasing the hormones that heal us, or the ones that keep us stressed and depleted? And are we using them to avoid facing difficult emotions or decisions?
There are actually seven different types of rest. There are some crossovers and you may be in need of several. There are also crossovers in the things that will help. But the key to getting the rest you need and deserve is to do it intentionally. Just flopping on the sofa with your phone is better than powering through, but it can be much more effective. Getting really comfy with comfy blankets, essential oils diffusing and an eye mask will be so much more soothing and will help you feel better much quicker. Check out the sheet below for more ideas on how to get the rest that will benefit you.

Things that helped me in my week of rest:
· Acknowledging that I needed physical, mental and sensory rest and doing it intentionally.
· Putting my phone on do not disturb and only checking it now and again.
· Choosing an uplifting, absorbing book and TV series to get lost in.
· Making peace with lower standards of tidiness.
· Sitting with my feelings of guilt and letting them go.
· Eating unprocessed, nutritious food.
· Asking for and accepting help.
· Getting outside every day.
· Taking long baths with Epsom salts, essential oils, crystals and Reiki.
· Booking in a treatment for when I was feeling better.
It’s not easy and my heart goes out to you if you are in a position where you are struggling with health or rest. Please reach out if I can help in anyway.
I’m going to be suggesting a 5 minute restful activity every day in February so make sure you’re following me on socials. I love to hear which ones are helpful for you!
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