11/05/2025
Resting isn't always about physically resting your body. It's about resting your mind. Resting your nervous system.
We often turn to scrolling and screens to "switch off" and decompress. But in switching off, we're switching off from our bodies too, disconnecting from ourselves. 🤳🏻
Numbing our feelings.
This might bring temporary relief, but those feelings will still be there the moment you put the screen down (and we often actually feel worse for it, rather than rested).
True rest comes not by switching off or tuning out, but by tuning IN to our internal world and into the support of the space around us.
Tuning into our breath.
Tuning into the feeling of the support beneath us, holding us.
Tuning into nature.
Tuning into the sensations in our body.
Tuning into our emotions!
This is what brings the body into a state of true rest; PRESENCE!
Presence tells your brain and nervous system that it's safe to be here now. That it's safe to slow down. There are no threats we need to run away from.
If we're not used to it, resting can feel uncomfortable. Precisely because it can bring up all of the feelings we've been avoiding. Or because it can bring up feelings of guilt around not being productive.
So we must show our bodies and nervous system that it's safe to rest. It's safe to soften and be present. In small amounts.
Taking small moments to be present with yourself. Even micro-moments of rest helps to build this safety.
When we do, we have so much more capacity to handle life's challenges. Beyond that, we get to reclaim our vitality.
This might look like: walking without a podcast, restorative or yin yoga, yoga Nidra, being in nature, taking a bath, having a massage, putting your hands on your heart and belly and taking 5 deep breaths, lying on the floor, cuddling with a pet or loved one.
What are your favourite ways to rest? Share them below👇🏻
