Rest is not just about sleep, though sleep is huge. Nor is it about Netflix and chillin on the couch as much as possible, though you should give yourself permission to lay on the couch when you need it. I discovered that Rest is a state of mind. To have a mind that is full of worry, or constantly trying to solve the problem, is to some degree to be full of pride. You believe you are God, your worry can change circumstances, your logic can heal your body. And while, how we think absolutely can impact our body for better or worse, thinking about something feverishly or tackling it with reasoning until you force the answer to bend to your will… well that’s just exhausting and generally accomplishes the opposite of what we want.
The Hardest Part
Rest sounds so easy. We think it is synonymous with laziness. Lay on the couch. Do nothing. Eat potato chips. Watch mindless entertainment. Be a fat loser. Particularly for “type A” personalities, rest sounds supremely…unproductive and is literally something to judge someone negatively for. We see a little bit of this play out with posting about how you don’t have to write the great american novel during quarantine. It’s OK to just be freaking out and watching Netflix. Both views are right- and wrong.
I propose something that may sound radical: Rest is the most productive thing you can do. If you do it right.
What does your body do as it sleeps [research][quotes from “Rest” by Alex Kiosaki]
What does your body miss when not sleeping [research]