The idea of a Rest Day and how to Use Them!
Hey gal! Happy Monday!
This week, I want to dive right in and talk about the importance of taking rest days, or, as I like to call them, “mental health days.”
We NEED Rest Days
As I've gotten older, one thing that's become increasingly evident to me is that our society normalizes, and sometimes even glorifies, a “go, go, go” mentality. If you are constantly on the go, taking on a million tasks and activities at once, barely giving yourself a chance to breathe, know you're absolutely not alone. But do know that this is such a hectic and, quite frankly, draining way to live, not to mention unsustainable.
I get it. Life has its crazy busy seasons, and it can throw curveballs at us when we least expect them. But here's the thing: if we don't take a breather and quiet that 'never-stop' mindset, we're setting ourselves up for a major breakdown.
So this past year, I made it a point to start penciling in “rest days.” And not just a rest day where I take a day off from the gym, but a rest day where I truly rest my body and mind. I take the time to recharge because I've found that neglecting these essential rest days inevitably leads to burnout, with my body forcing me to take a rest day anyway, either through a complete meltdown or even illness.
Personally, I like to be in control. I choose to take rest days proactively rather than pushing myself to the brink, where I'm forced to pause and recover.
Have you ever heard the saying, “self-care is productive?” Well, it's true!! Taking rest days is the epitome of taking care of yourself. So whether you're someone who needs a full rest day once a week, once a month, or even more sporadically, make sure you prioritize them so you can always show up as the best you.
On my rest days, I love to take an “everything shower,” a.k.a., a full exfoliate, a hair scrub, a hair mask, and a full shave. Afterwards, I lather myself in lotion, apply my favorite face mask, and put on my comfiest pajamas. And now, for the pièce de résistance: I put my phone on silent and binge-watch comforting TV shows like “Sex & the City” and “Gilmore Girls.” These days leave me with a recharged social battery, a clear mind, and the readiness to conquer another day.
What activities rejuvenate you, and when is your next well-deserved rest day?
Five Ideas for Successful Rest Days
Stay off your phone as much as possible
Take a nice, long walk outside
Journal for ten minutes
Try cooking or baking a new recipe
Declutter a space in your home
Enjoy and send along to a friend who can would enjoy this too!
