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We often think of rest as something passive — sleeping, sitting quietly in a room or lying down on the couch.
But Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, a book that shares practical ways to find pause in our lives, says rest can be an action. “Rest is not just about cessation. It’s also about restorative processes” — the joyful refilling of our energy reserves.
Rest will look different depending on what your body and mind need at the moment, Dalton-Smith says. She explains how to identify how best to refill your cup.
⏰ If you’re not sure what kind of rest you need, figure out your rest deficit. Look at your last 24 hours and ask yourself where you spent the most energy, Dalton-Smith says. Are you socially exhausted and need to recharge by being alone? Or maybe you’ve been in an especially noisy and chaotic environment, like a party, and need some quiet.
🎹 Rest looks different for everyone. Some people rest by playing an instrument or reading a good book. Others might rest by calling a friend or spending time alone. Find what works for you by noticing what or who makes you feel rejuvenated rather than drained.
🧩 Embrace active rest. Do something that allows part of your brain and body to relax and stretch itself in a new way, Dalton-Smith says. That may include taking a short walk to get your body moving, doing a puzzle or going to an art museum.
🎨 Nourish your mind and spirit. If you’re feeling exhausted and unsure why, you might need rest that goes beyond your body and takes care of your inner world as well — like a fulfilling creative project or a small break from the emotional needs of your friends and family.
Start a mindfulness practice.An effective way to manage our negative reactions to life's stressors actually involves slowing down and paying very close attention. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction, explains how to begin a meditation practice — and how doing so can help you seize the present moment.Read the story.
Try an emotional reset.Feeling overwhelmed, panicked or anxious? Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz offers simple techniques to improve your mood and calm your body and mind in minutes.Read the story.
Find your creative flow.Learn how to weave art into your everyday life. Because whether you're doodling, making pottery or embroidering, creativity is good for you and your health. Read the story.
Get in touch with your spiritual side.You don't need to be religious to create a meaningful connection to something greater than yourself. If you're interested in examining that relationship, grab a pen and paper and answer these prompts. Read the story.
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