3 Ways To Find Rest
January 2018 // By Natalie Jean
Happy Self Care Sunday! Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the importance of rest. Self care seems to be a popular topic in the blogging world and the solution time and time again is a bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a face mask. Sure, those things are nice and relaxing, but self care runs so much deeper!
One thing that I truly believe is important when caring for yourself is ensuring you get a proper amount of rest. A good night of sleep, rest for your eyes by taking a break from the tv and computer, rest from constant running around and obligation. Rest.
Throughout the last two or three years I've been trying to find a good pattern for my work and rest balance and let me tell you, its hard! Staying up late trying to get more work done, spending time with friends or family, or just vegging in front of the television are all reasons that can make it difficult to get proper rest.
Stress, worry, sickness, travel, loss, and a handful of other things can take away from a healthy schedule and balance of rest + work. It seems simple; go to bed early and sleep in when you can. But there is so much more to it! Sometimes people struggle with sleep. I honestly can say that for me the two main reasons for my lack of sleep are the tv and worry. The tv? Turn it off. Worry? Try defusing essential oils (like lavender or a relaxation blend), listening to soothing music, or turning to the One who gives peace. A verse that I love in regards to this is Psalm 4:8 "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Finding ways to get rest can be hard, I know! So, today I want to share 3 ways that you can do to get more rest that I also try to implement in my own schedule.
1. Establish a Nighttime Routine.
This isn't to say you have to take a bubble bath every night, but trying to stick to a similar routine each night so you're consistent. Getting to bed around the same time each night (not to late!), turning off the tv and your screens at least 30 minutes before bed so your eyes + brain can relax, and not eating a lot of sugar throughout the evening are great for a nighttime routine. Washing and moisturizing your face and brushing your teeth each night keeps you healthy. Maybe even having a cup of warm decaf tea can help too! Whatever your routine, establish it and repeat it so that each night ends smoothly.
2. Limit Energy Suckers.
Saying "no" is totally fine. Sometimes people and events can be really draining. If you're dragging or feeling drained, its important to make time to recharge and catch up on rest, so saying no every now can again is a-okay! Limit things that suck energy from you and distract you from your goals and plans. When you need rest + recharging, allow yourself to get it.
3. Naps are okay. (Encouraged even!)
Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you can't take a mid-afternoon nap. Some days I feel bad if I take a nap, but then I realize I had 3 horrible nights of sleep in a row and have been stressing a lot so a nap is okay; needed in fact! In fact, many studies show that cat naps can give you bursts of energy and help you focus more throughout the day.
Rest is important! Don't let yourself feel bad for making it a priority. Whether you're a wife, stay-at-home or working mom, college student, single woman, etc. you need to be getting proper amounts of rest. Get to bed before midnight, take time during the day to detach from your phone and computer, and listen to your body when its telling you to slow down.
I love these posts so far! Stay tuned every other week for some thoughts on self care regarding body, mind, spirit, and relationships. If you have any questions or thoughts on the topic of self care or what you want me to write about in the future please share in the comments below :)
A routine at night works wonders!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely does! Thank you for reading!
DeleteThese are such great tips! I need to remember that rest in most cases starts the night before. I should make more of a habit of getting spiritual and physical rest at night. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ro!
DeleteI love that first tip! We've started being more intentional in our home about turning off all screens about an hour to an hour and a half before we go to sleep so we can spend that hour reading, drinking herbal tea, and just being with one another without the added distractions.
ReplyDeleteIt can really help relax your mind and get you ready for bed! Its hard for me because I used to love falling asleep in front of the tv but now that I don't, I feel like I get a better night of rest!
DeleteI've been SO bad lately at establishing a SET bedtime and sticking to it...and I def feel it. It makes a difference!
ReplyDeleteIt really does! I've noticed on nights when I don't make it a priority I'm up until like, 1am and feel so "blah" the next morning. No fun!
DeleteThis is great! Rest is my theme for 2018 and of course I have already failed a few times. These suggestions are great!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great word for 2018! It can be hard, but when you get into the habit it feels so great. Thanks for reading!
DeleteI love naps!
ReplyDeleteYou and me both :)
DeleteNaps are my favorite thing in the world! But I totally agree with you on limiting energy suckers. My biggest goal this year is to say no to those things - last year I had no balance and was so burnt out with social engagements and church obligations and had no time for the things that I wanted to do. I've been doing so much better since I started saying no more and finally have more energy to do what I want to do!
ReplyDeletexo, Chelsie @ Hey There, Chelsie
Thats so great Chelsie! I bet it really helps with your "Year of Me" goals too!
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