Rest. It’s a necessary part of life, yet we struggle to appreciate its purpose. Our hectic lifestyles and full calendars leave little time to relax, and when we do, it’s almost as if we’ve forgotten what that truly looks like. We crash in front of a screen for hours, all in the name of winding down. Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying your favorite show or checking in on what your friends have been up to via social media. But when our default for rest and relaxation is full of autopilot actions, we don’t get the full spectrum of benefits, so it may be time to reevaluate our methods.
Have you ever noticed that after staring at your phone for a while, or a series binge, you somehow feel exhausted? That’s because the intense focus causes us to blink less, as well as breathe poorly, while watching tv or playing on our phones. Blinking less frequently leads to eyestrain and shallow breaths lower the amount of oxygen in your blood. Continue using your devices, but be aware of their impact on your body, especially if rejuvenation is your goal.
Practice mindfulness around your rest periods: this allows you to intentionally bring ease to your body and mind. For example, if you’ve been on your feet all day, spend ten minutes giving yourself a foot massage. It circulates blood flow and reduces tension and pain. A small gesture of self-love for your body goes a long way. The idea is to tune into which parts of your body need to relax and then essentially craft a “treatment plan” that brings optimal recovery.
So the next time you’re watching your shows and peeping your feeds, consciously do so. A good rule of thumb is to check in with yourself every 30-60 minutes. After an episode, ask yourself some questions. Is this actually relaxing, or am I operating on autopilot? Is there something else I can do right now to bring me peace and rest? Am I craving sunlight, a warm bath, meditation, a book? How can I use this time to refresh my body and mind? Through self-regulation, you can ensure that you’ll get the most out of your downtime.
Go inward the next time you find yourself ready to relax, because investing in your rest is an essential part of your overall health. If you are mindful and intentional, you will breathe new life into yourself every time you relax.