Relaxing- The Good, The Bad, The Needed?

Ever feel like taking a break or resting has a bad rap? Like why are you resting? Shouldn't you be doing something else? Honestly though, resting is needed. You need down time just as you need productivity time. Sometimes your body may even need resting more than being productive. A while back, I ended up dealing with some mental health issues and was struggling with day-to-day tasks such as doing the dishes. I honestly spent most of my time relaxing and had limited energy. My therapist at the time said that was okay and that was what my body needed at the time. It was something so simple, but yet needing permission or confirmation from my therapist was what it took for me to not guilt myself over needing to rest. Then once I accepted it and gave my body the rest it needed, I was able to slowly start getting better (alongside some medical help), I was able to recover and start doing more productivity.

So anyone that needs to hear this at the moment - It's okay to rest and relax! Sometimes it's even needed!

You also don't need to earn a break or a rest. It has been drilled into us, that first we need to do work and then we can get a break or if other people are working that means you need to be working too. This just isn't true as everyone is different - different energy levels, different stamina, different interest. Someone may need shorter more frequent breaks or someone may work better by working first and then resting or other times you just need a day of rest without working. All of this is okay!

Rest isn't a reward - it's a much needed part of life. Just like a phone - it needs time to recharge in order to function, otherwise it will have a dead battery. Same with us, if we don't take breaks and periods of rest then our battery will run out. Also just like a phone, recharging is needed and is not a reward for working. Although the battery drains faster when being used, the battery still only last so long before needing to be charged. So whether it has been working or not, it will need time to recharge.

Although, sometimes relaxing can get confused with avoiding - leading to the not so great viewpoint. If you are resting because you need to and deserve to- that's perfectly fine! However, if you are "relaxing" to avoid doing something, then this is not so great. It's all about the mindset and the intention behind it. Although, I do find when I'm relaxing because I need to rest - it's enjoyable; however, when I'm relaxing to avoid, I'm normally stressed out and not actually resting.

So next time you need a break or a rest - go ahead! Your body is probably telling you that you need it! You don't need to earn it! Just keep in mind: Are you resting to listen to what your body needs or are you resting and trying to avoid or procrastinate on other tasks - if so, stop avoiding it! So that your rest can actually be relaxing!

Recharge your battery!