While countless studies have looked at the importance of quality rest and sleep for our minds and bodies, the focus is on sleep itself (particularly nighttime sleep). What’s less talked about is the idea of intentional rest, which is an underutilized, yet highly necessary, tenet of self-care.
What is intentional rest? It’s a dedicated choice to incorporate periods of rest and recovery into a regular routine, to counteract the daily stress that accrues from work and life obligations. It’s a deliberate decision to focus on restoring calm and balance.
Intentional rest is more than sleep, though sleep is definitely one form of rest. Meditation, journaling, or indulging in a quiet creative pursuit are all methods of intentional rest. Finding activities that promote relaxation and recovery is the goal of intentional rest.
Key benefits of intentional rest:
- Reduced anxiety and stress: Quieting the mind and body restores calm and purpose, tamping down anxious thoughts and reversing the effects of stress.
- Reawakens creativity: By removing the guardrails that keep your mind focused on daily tasks, it’s free to explore new possibilities, whether it’s an artistic pursuit or finding a more creative and emotionally rewarding solution to a problem.
- Improved physical health: The body needs rest to repair itself and recharge. Incorporating intentional rest practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, etc. can help with nighttime sleep, muscle tension, and blood pressure regulation.
- Better focus: Intentional rest gives the mind a break, so that when you return to work or home you’re better able to concentrate on tasks and work more efficiently and productively.
- Regulates the nervous system: Deep breathing and calming exercises slow the heart rate and pulls the body out of “fight or flight” stress mode, which helps with hormone regulation and so much more.
Examples of intentional rest:
- Nature walks, spending time in nature.
- Restorative yoga and guided stretching
- Mindfulness exercise and meditation
- Sensory deprivation
- Creative projects (coloring, drawing, painting, etc..)
- Reading
- Puzzles
Make it a routine
The key to success is to make intentional rest a part of your regular health and wellness routine. Whether it’s a daily, weekly or monthly activity, you’ll achieve the best results by regular practice.
Just like strength training isn’t a one-and-done activity, improving your mental and physical health through intentional rest is an ongoing journey.
The Rest Spot has the space you need for the rest you deserve.
Our luxury rest spaces provide quiet and solitude for a full range of intentional rest activities, even sleeping. Learn more about the benefits of membership, including complimentary snacks and childcare.
