It's so easy to get stuck in a cycle of feeling too tired, stressed and time-poor to practice intentional self-care. Then we can be left feeling even more strung-out because we haven’t given ourselves enough time to rest and restore.
The body-mind feels tight and tense. We become irrational, impatient and snap at loved ones because of these jangly, tense, stuck feelings.
Sound familiar? There is another way.
A way where we PRIORITISE REST. Put the effort in and feel the ease wash into daily life.
Of course, this takes effort. But all valuable things are worth making the effort for. And what is more valuable than YOU?
Not only bones, muscles, skin etc physical self, but the inner energy, heart, soul, mind,
breath WHOLE incredible Self that the union
of Yoga connects us to.
“A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.” Chris Gerber
Practicing rest is practicing self compassion. It’s showing ourselves the respect, care and kindness (and often courage) that’s needed to slow down auto-pilot living, and become more familiar with thoughts and feelings. Perhaps begin to notice quiet moments inside all this noise, and feel a bit more human 'being, and not 'human doing'.
The more we practice intentionally noticing our quiet inner spaces, the more these calmer feelings and self awareness ripples out and supports us through even the fullest of days.
LESS STRESS
Longer doses of practices are valuable to delve deeper into this work, however little and often embodied rest practices are also a powerful way of connecting to sustainable, and sustaining Self care.
Ongoing and unprocessed stress (aka cortisol and adrenaline hormones) can affect our physical, emotional and mental health. Small doses of stress are a natural and normal part of life, but living with an ongoing sense of overwhelm, and therefore with a nervous system defaulting to a stressed ‘fight-flight-freeze’ state, can (but not always) lead to a tighter short breath, chronic muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, irritability, digestive problems, and more.
By making space to rest - to pause, slow down breath, notice felt sensations, be with the impermanence of it all and practice connecting to that quiet, still, spacious awareness inside - we allow the body-mind to process stress and practice re-connecting to our natural steady and aware state of being.
PERSPECTIVES
Fascinatingly, our personal perspectives on stress can also affect how our body-mind responds to stress too; as I heard on a TED Talk recently called ‘How to Make Stress Your Friend’ by Psychologist Kelly McGonigal. So let’s also remind ourselves to know stress is not the enemy. Stress can be useful too. Feelings of stress can be motivational and simply another way to know this amazing wise body is working effectively.
REST, REGULATE, RESTORE
By working with the body, mind and breath in gentle, slow and nurturing ways, you can practice nervous system regulation, self compassion, self kindness and learn tools to re-connect you to your calm, steady balance and presence, any time you need.
10 IDEAS FOR DAILY REST - EBOOK COMING SOON!
SUPPORT, ACCOUNTABILITY, GUIDENCE
It is of course in the actual doing and experiencing the benefits of this work that it will all begin to make sense in your body, and in your life. Beginning this process with support, for accountability, inspiration and guidance, is very useful.
If you are interested in working with me online or in person 1:2:1 to support your connection to Restorative Yoga, self regulating breathwork and Deep Rest Meditation, please get in touch today.
IMPORTANT: If you have PTSD, breathing conditions, long Covid or asthma, please dip your toe into breath practices and listen to your body. These tools can be very useful, however please talk to your GP or get in touch directly if you would like more support and guidance.