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💜

Does anyone know? Nope? Didn’t think so…  Ok so the world isn’t as we know it currently. In the UK we are currently in our 3rd lockdown. A third time being told to “stay at home” and “work from home if you can” Now how that looks will differ from person to person. For me, I’m still working as usual as I am a key worker. I am one of the lucky ones to still have a job as I know many people who have been made redundant due to lack of funds, and being able to keep businesses afloat. I can’t even imagine that feeling having financial responsibilities and then to be told “sorry we can no longer afford to keep you on”

“Work from home if you can” – what a confusing statement.  I know many people have turned their family home into their office, their place of work. I also know that for a lot of people this is very unsettling. We are creatures of routine and habits. We need structure. The get out of bed, have breakfast, get in the car, drive to work and attend that meeting; day in day out. For a lot of people this was taken from underneath them in the face of hours and this can take a toll dramatically. Guys, do me a favour… every morning when you wake up, look in the mirror when your putting your makeup on or brushing your teeth and tell yourself something positive; something to kick start your day in a positive way. I find getting fresh air in the morning always puts me in good stead for the day ahead, clear the mind from the night before and start your day the way you wish (fingers crossed 🤞 positive)

“Start your day the way you wish it to continue”

Me lol

Being at home more also means more temptation. The fridge or the sweet cupboard being within reaching distance. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not punish yourself for visiting this place of pleasure. As humans food and drink give us pleasure, we usually associate these things with being sociable, but that’s been taken from us yet again. I’m not saying to sit and gorge on sweets/crisps/chocolate (all the good things😂) but neither am I saying to avoid them… everything in moderation is healthy. (I’m still learning this don’t worry; you’re not alone)

My advise would be to plan your meals, sit down as a family. When I say family I mean whoever is in your household/bubble or if you live alone plan meals around maybe a walk or zoom call – we all seem to be experts of those these days😂

Try and keep positive, get out for some fresh air(weather permitting🙄) and keep in regular contact with your loved ones. We WILL get through this!