We live in a busy world that doesn’t always encourage rest and relaxation. As a result, many people are not making time for the rest that their bodies need and often feel guilty if they are not filling their free time with productive activities. There is always more work to do, something that needs to be cleaned, or a TV show that we have been wanting to watch. We end up filling our day from morning to night and never truly taking time for our bodies to relax.
Rest is necessary for our bodies and minds to perform at optimum levels and goes beyond just getting a good night of sleep. Taking intentional time away from work, stress, and the bright lights of your TV, computer or phone can lead to a healthier and more balanced life. Here are some benefits that allowing your body time to rest can have on your health:
Faster Muscle Recovery
According to an article written in Healthline, when your body is at rest, it uses its energy to help the tissues in your muscles heal and grow, resulting in stronger muscles. Rest also allows your body to replenish glycogen, which is a form of carbohydrates used to fuel a workout. Without resting and allowing your body to recover, you will feel extra muscle fatigue and soreness. This is why many workout routines include a rest day. Your body will not perform at its best if it is constantly pushing itself. It needs ample time to recover.
Productivity
Have you ever spent twice as long completing something because your thought process was lagging? If you don’t let your mind and body rest, you may have trouble keeping up with your daily routine. Research suggests that overworking can lead to stress and poor performance whereas resting can lead to increased levels of creative and innovative thinking while working. Whether you are spending your energy physically working or challenging your mind, you will find that resting allows you to perform better and be more productive.
Happier Attitude
Many will say that an angry toddler is likely in need of a nap. The same thing may be true for adults after a tiring day. According to a study by Daniel Kahneman and Alan B. Krueger, “sleep quality was the single most influential factor in rating daily mood.” When you are well-rested you are more likely to be able to see things from a different perspective.
Family Time
In today’s world, it can be hard to escape technology that is everywhere around us. Many believe that they are “resting” while on their phones, sitting on a couch while the TV plays in the background. Unfortunately, this is not as beneficial as many would hope. Looking at blue lights from our screens all day makes it harder to fall asleep at night and TV shows and news feeds can bring us overwhelming amounts of mental stimulation. Intentionally taking time to unwind without those distractions around is more beneficial to your health.
A hot tub could be the perfect way for you and your family to engage in relaxing moments together. Soaking in soothing water with the jets running will help your mind and body unwind, leading to better sleep and less stress. Hot tubs are also a way for your family to interact without the distraction of phones. Enjoy a night in your own backyard oasis and let the worries of the day disappear.
Allowing yourself to rest is not laziness. It could very well be the key to a healthier and well-rounded life for you. Whether you choose to relax in your home, take a small nap mid-day, relax in a spa or a bathtub, your body will thank you for taking the time to refocus and recharge.
REFERENCES
- https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/rest-day#benefits
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3990058/
- https://international.ucla.edu/media/files/Kahneman.pdf