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A student once commented to me that I was an “active rester”, and I didn’t like it. I made it mean I wasn’t capable of resting by lying down or sitting still and that was bad.

There was something in the comment that triggered an irritation that I didn’t realise was there until she commented. 

I thought because I knew deep rest practices, like yoga nidra, meditation, and restorative yoga, that I was good at resting.

I’ve always found it easy to rest in Shavasana, either in my practice or in a class setting, maybe there was something I wasn’t quite getting.

Things I knew to be true before having children…………I can rest by being still, I am capable of giving myself a break, and I’m so grateful for the appreciation I have for rest.

BUT

It wasn’t something I would do naturally and with ease, I generally needed to do something physical to shift my energy before I could rest in stillness. Somewhere along the way, I made doing nothing, mean I was “lazy”.

In the early days of being a student and teacher, I wasn’t always listening for the Qs that I needed to rest and recharge. All I knew was I was either tired or not tired.

I decided my physical bodywork practice was a way to rest, but that’s not always the case if your practice is very physical. My approach in the practice was not always about how much rest and recharging can I acquire.

After becoming a mother, I found that despite having learned about these practices, my body and mind underwent significant changes. The experience of becoming a parent shifted my priorities, altered my physical state, and placed me in an entirely different stage of life.

When I was sleep-deprived and hyper-vigilant, I found it challenging to dedicate as much time to myself as I did before. I realised that I wasn’t listening to my body in the same way. My priorities had shifted, and I adopted a mindset that prioritised others over myself. Even though this shift wasn’t meant to be permanent, I observed that many mothers, in particular, tend to experience a similar situation and it often turns into a belief system where they no longer put themselves first and there is plenty of evidence present to prove this theory. Even when their bodies are signalling the need for self-care, they ignore the signs and continue to prioritise everyone else. I firmly belonged in this category.

When we have become disconnected from ourselves as a result of significant changes to our bodies or lives, it becomes crucial to return to the basics.

What does listening to your body mean?

• Pay attention 
•  Awareness of physical sensations
•  Notice your energy/emotions
•  Notice what you are feeling
•  Intuition and instincts

It involves developing a deeper awareness of your physical sensations, emotions, and overall well-being.

I would hear this so much in yoga classes, “listen to your body”.

And much like setting an intention at the beginning of class, we must listen to our body if we want to feel balanced and in alignment.

What happens when we don’t listen to the body?

• Burnout and exhaustion: Ignoring signs of fatigue, stress, and the need for rest can lead to burnout. Over time, this can result in chronic fatigue, decreased productivity, and a decline in overall physical and mental well-being.
• Reduced immune function: Constantly pushing ourselves without giving our bodies adequate rest and recovery time can weaken our immune system. This makes us more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
• Mental and emotional distress: Neglecting our emotional well-being can result in increased stress, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Ignoring our emotional needs can lead to a decline in mental health and overall emotional resilience.
•  Impaired cognitive function: Lack of rest and self-care can negatively impact our cognitive abilities, including memory, focus, and decision-making. It becomes harder to concentrate, think clearly, and perform tasks effectively.
•  Strained relationships: When we’re not attuned to our body’s needs, it can affect our interactions with others. We may become irritable, impatient, or emotionally distant, leading to strained relationships and difficulties in communication.
•  Overall decreased well-being: Neglecting our body’s signals and needs can have a cumulative effect on our overall well-being. It can lead to a sense of disconnection, dissatisfaction, and a lack of fulfilment in our lives.

What does the body need to feel rested?

• Sufficient sleep: Dr Matt Walker emphasises that sleep is a fundamental biological need and plays a critical role in various aspects of our lives. It influences memory consolidation, learning, creativity, emotional regulation, immune function, physical health, and mental well-being. 
•  Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night, although individual needs may vary.
•  Relaxation and stress reduction: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or awareness practices, helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress. 
•  Taking time to unwind and disconnect from daily pressures allows the body to release tension and recharge.
•  Physical rest: Allowing the body to rest physically is essential. This can involve taking breaks throughout the day, incorporating periods of stillness or gentle movements, and avoiding excessive physical exertion. Balancing activity with adequate rest supports muscle recovery, reduces fatigue, and prevents overexertion.
•  Nutrition and hydration: Providing the body with nourishing foods and staying adequately hydrated are crucial for overall well-being and feeling rested. Proper nutrition helps to replenish energy stores and supports various bodily functions. Drinking enough water ensures optimal hydration, which affects energy levels and cognitive performance.
•  Mental and emotional rest: Resting the mind and emotions is just as important as physical rest. Engaging in activities that promote mental relaxation, such as hobbies, reading, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative pursuits, allows the mind to decompress and recharge.
•  Taking time away from devices that keep us distracted reduces the feeling of being “on” all the time. 
•  Taking breaks from work-related or stressful situations helps to reduce mental fatigue and improve focus.
•  Personal boundaries and self-care: So important, setting boundaries and prioritising self-care is essential for feeling rested. This includes recognising your limits, saying no when necessary, and allocating time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Respecting your own needs and well-being helps prevent burnout and supports a sense of balance.

For us to feel a sense of complete well-being it requires us to feel, and put into action what we feel, for most it is to slow down and rest……rinse and repeat. Like any wellness practice, we need to do it constantly to have the desired effect.

When we are in recharge mode we get to receive the wonderful benefits of feeling nourished, taken care of, deeply connected to our purpose and present to all that surrounds us.

• Improved physical performance (the body feels stronger, and can manage stress with more awareness)
•  Enhanced mental clarity and focus
•  Enhanced mood and emotional well-being
•  Strengthened immune system
•  Reduced stress and improved stress management
•  Better overall well-being

Resting varies among individuals, and it may require dedicating time to observe and determine what methods work most effectively for you. Remaining adaptable to the varying phases of your life allows for ongoing growth and the development of the optimal recipe for rest that suits your mind and body.