Rest? What is rest?

Rest is very different to every individual, but is very important that we all take the time to do so.
Some stay in bed all day, some see rest as sitting on the sofa binge watching a new series, some see it as a day shopping etc… anyone of these is perfectly OK by the way.

I personally find it VERY hard to “rest”. I am a very active person and get itchy feet if I’m sat still for a long period of time(this wasn’t always the case). I train/workout intensily 3/4 maybe 5 times a week, work in a school and most importantly have a VERY VERY excitable puppy who loves a run multiple times a day and lots and lots of play time and attention. This takes up a lot of my energy and therefore I need a day to totally rest.

Working in a school means you don’t usually have time to yourself and you are constantly on the go; you have to put yourself on the back burner. The kids come first. This NOT a restful job by any means, but I love it. This is what makes it even more so important to take a rest day not only for physical well-being but also mental.

As I gain the help and knowledge I need to be able to look after myself better, I am slowly learning that living an active, fast passed lifestyle means you need to rest from time to time otherwise you WILL experience burnout (that I have many a time).

Today is my rest day of the week and from now on I am going to (try) and make a conscious effort to make one day a week dedicated to rest.

Now my version of rest (currently) is a day of dog walks(no HIIT/resistance workout), yummy food, no calorie counting, pushing myself out of my exercise and food comfort zone and finding new Netflix films/series to watch with my nearest and dearest.

What was my version of rest? If I am honest with you I don’t actually know. I would always feel some sort of guilt that I haven’t worked out or if I had eaten something “bad” (this is a whole nother blog post – coming soon). Therefore I don’t think I actually did rest, although I may have sat and “chilled” out for the day; did I actually chill? Probably not, because my mind would be working in over drive. But as I said gaining knowledge that having one day off will not damage any progress or make me revert back to my old life style.

What is the purpose if this post then? The purpose is simply for me to tell/guide you aswell as myself that your version of rest is OK and for us to know that there should be no guilt felt towards resting your body and mind.
I honestly hope this reaches at least one of you and you take a day or two to rest and spend time people who fill you with joy.

Take the time to really connect with the air. Inhale…. exhale. Keep going and keep being you, because you are beautiful!!

Happy whatever day you’re reading this you beautiful people. Keep smashing life💜