I used to find it difficult to get to a place, mentally, physically and emotionally where I felt truly rested.
True rest… didn’t happen often. I spent a lot of time doing, thinking, and going through the daily motions of life. I had moments of relaxing, but this is not the same thing.
To feel rested… is challenging. Sleep, even sleeping well, on its own doesn’t facilitate true rest.
True rest is multidimensional and helps us Rebound, Restore and Rejuvenate.
And, in today’s world it’s difficult to experience.
To understand true rest, we need to understand how rest helps us Rebound, Restore and Rejuvenate.
Rest that Rebounds, Restores and Rejuvenates
But first, what does it really men to rebound, restore and rejuvenate?
Rebound rest is the kind of rest you need when you’re running on empty. You feel the weight of your muscles holding you back and eventually, you physically cannot go on. Being still and breathing is about all you can manage.
- It’s the way your body feels when you’re grieving.
- The exhaustion you feel due to the endless grind to get work done.
- Taxing your reserves when you push the partying and socializing envelope.
Today’s grind culture is toxic. The push to socialize is competitive. The awkwardness we feel about grief, demoralizing. Rebound rest helps us emerge with fresh perspective and shift these patterns of behaviour.
When you’re running on empty, you don’t have enough reserve in the tank to manage. Topping up with this type of rest keeps the tank full so you can rebound from a depletion more easily.
What happens when we can’t rebound?
Not being able to rebound can lead to difficulty managing our mental and emotional state. Moodiness, tearfulness, and anger can be a sign of this type of rest depletion. And if this becomes your go-to pattern, it may make relationships challenging and lead to feelings of isolation.
One of the first signs of this type of rest depletion is weight gain. Exhaustion leads to stress; stress can lead to changes in hormone levels, reduced exercise and unhealthy habits. As a result, this can lead to weight gain and more fatigue which can exacerbate our fragile mental and emotional state.
Top-up Tip!
Two to ten-minute breaks every 20-50 minutes is ideal. Short walks, stretching, listening to quite music, watching nature, or making yourself a light non-alcoholic drink are perfect restful breaks. They ensure you don’t deplete your tank and keep it topped up for times when you go beyond the norm.
Restorative rest is the workhorse of life. It’s the fuel for living. Eating well, getting good exercise, feeling socially engaged, and even being able to take breaks without feeling agitated show us we’re restored.
It’s easy to think of rest as doing nothing. When in fact, doing the things that keep us fit and healthy, our space clean and organized, and our minds engaged are things that build a strong body, mind and spirit. When we’re strong in these areas, we can easily care for ourselves.
To restore literally means to re-establish or return to a former condition, especially after injury or loss. Imagine the things that help you restore:
- Being Active and Eating well keep us strong and healthy
- Being in a clean and organized space raises our self-esteem
- Learning new things boosts self-confidence
Top-up Tip!
Spend 20 minutes clearing away clutter, go outside for a brisk walk, or read a book to help you restore your body and mind.
Rejuvenating rest restores vital energy and vibrancy. Once we experience full rest depletion, it’s difficult to revitalize because we first need to be energized (restored) to set it in motion.
- Doing the things we love and that spark joy in us helps us enjoy life
- Being kind and thoughtful helps us live with purpose
- Connecting with family and friends and meeting new people builds a sense of belonging.
Top-up Tip!
Rejuvenate yourself with something you love! Treat yourself to something new, plan a holiday or take a day to go to the beach
Now that we understand what true rest can do for us, we need to know the eight types of rest that enable us to rebound, restore, and rejuvenate.
Through guided experiences, mindful nature immersion, and intentional self-care, foRest retreats help you identify what kind of rest you truly need. Whether you seek clarity, peace, or renewal, foRest offers the space to pause, reflect, and align with your well-being.
We’re ready to welcome you into the foRest.
