The Power of Rest

The Power of Rest

Do you remember in elementary school, especially in kindergarten, we had “nap/rest

time”? Why did this stop since rest is so important. It goes back to the statement

“Everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten”. It’s amazing how important

rest is for our bodies. What does it mean to rest? Well, it’s important to find a quiet

place, sitting or lying in a comfortable position, not putting pressure on your muscles,

reduced activity, and no distractions.

The importance of relaxing

● the body and mind return to a non-aroused state

● decreases stress and tension

● eases the difficulty of tasks, so it won’t feel quite like an uphill battle

● regenerate energy

● adrenaline system recovers and restores to supply energy in larger quantities

● helps manage physical and mental health problems

● reduces blood pressure

● reduces muscle tension and tension headaches

● reduces insomnia

● reduces hyperarousal or anxiety so we can get a better night sleep

It’s important to rest/relax daily for 15-30 mins. The best time to do this is in the

evening, or later in the day, after duties are completed ,after kids are in bed or will not

be a distraction. Each week it is also important to find a chunk of time, a few hours or

the whole day if you can to rest and relax.

Strategies:

● Find a quiet place

● Find a comfortable spot

● Wear comfortable clothes

● No electronics

● Limit distractions

● Don’t confuse sleep with rest

o if you need to sleep, sleep; rest is not sleep

● body awareness throughout your day

● Stay still

o as adrenaline goes down, it’s hard to adjust; give yourself time to adjust to

not running on high adrenaline

o Avoid troublesome thoughts

o detach yourself from the worries

o Progressive muscle relaxation (see other posts that describes this)

o Stretching (see other posts that describes this)

o congruent or diaphragmatic breathing (see other posts that describes this)

o Environment should be silent and dark

Challenges in Resting

● running on adrenaline

● racing thoughts

● room temperature

● distractions- responsibilities at home

Effects when we don’t rest:

● fatigue

● burn out

● impairment

● possible cortisol imbalances

● possible hormonal imbalances

Suggested Scripture about Rest

Exodus 33:14

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’

Psalm 4:8

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in

safety.”

Psalm 23:2-3

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he

refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 37:7

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people

succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Isaiah 55:6

“I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take

my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and

you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Mark 6:32

“So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”