As we plough through January with its colder weather and continuing short daylight hours, it's essential to recognize rest as a multi-faceted concept.
Whilst we've just emerged from a "holiday season", rest is not solely about pausing our work or physical activity; adopting a holistic approach to rest can ensure spirits and energy levels are maintained optimally for the months ahead.
Consider too, the following types of rest:
Emotional Rest: Studies have shown that emotional rest, which involves stepping back from our stressors and processing feelings without pressure, can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.
Social Rest: Reducing social interactions for a while, even those we enjoy, allows our social batteries to recharge, maintaining healthy relationships and preventing burnout.
Creative Rest: Allowing our minds to wander without the demand for innovation or productivity can boost cognitive function.
You have 168 hours in each week. Consciously using a small number of those, in choosing to be awake but still, focusing on how your body feels and letting your thoughts drift can be incredibly rejuvenating and beneficial for your overall well-being, preventing seasonal fatigue and improving your decision-making accuracy.
According to a study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, regular and focused rest breaks can improve productivity by up to 30%.
The American Psychological Association reports that adequate rest can enhance focus and reduce the likelihood of errors in tasks by 50%.
Book your treatment and embrace the concept of taking regular full mental and physical pauses.
References:
Sianoja, M., Kinnunen, U., De Bloom, J., & Korpela, K. (2016). The effect of recovery experiences on occupational well-being: A day-level study. Work & Stress, 30(1), 1-20.
American Psychological Association. (2014). The impact of stress. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1537-1574.
Hunter, E. M., & Wu, C. (2016). Give me a break: The impact of mental breaks on mental fatigue and decision fatigue. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 137, 194-206.
Baird, B., Smallwood, J., & Schooler, J. W. (2011). Back to the future: Autobiographical planning and the functionality of mind-wandering. Consciousness and Cognition, 20(4), 1604-1611.
Dalton-Smith, S. (2014). Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Tyndale House Publishers.
Callard, F., & Kaptchuk, T. J. (2016). The Rest Test: Results from the world's largest survey on rest and relaxation. Social Science & Medicine, 150, 143-154.
Beecham, A. (2023). What is ‘emotional rest’ – and why do we all need more of it? Stylist.
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