My thoughts on the “REST” and RESTorative Yoga
(This is an opinion article…*note* I am not a doctor or rest researcher)
We’ve all heard it (and even said it) before.
“Make sure to get plenty of rest”
It’s a recommendation from your doctor, a suggestion from your caregiver or partner...you’ve said to a friend or colleague in need of some down time. But what does the word “rest” really mean? Does the average human *or hustling North American* understand rest?
As a society, we are familiar with other phrases like “I'll rest when I'm dead” alluding to the idea that there may not be enough time to rest. That rest is futile or even a waste of time. Rest is for the unproductive…right?
What comes up for you when you think about resting?
The concept of rest has two main layers...
1) How do we (Humans/ North Americans) access rest?
2) Part of the “rest process” is being okay with doing it.
What does rest look like and feels like? What kinds of things do you do to access states of rest?
Perhaps we are a “restless society” because we constantly tell ourselves and each other that rest is reserved for the dead, the lazy, and the fragile? Let’s face it...we often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves! Busyness in our culture is worn as a badge of honour.
I’ve heard a few times this month “If you want something done, find the busiest person you know”. A statement loaded with the idea that the busier we are the more productive we are, though this concept has been debunked over and over. Have you heard of the 52/ 17 theory?
What is the definition of rest anyway?
A quick google search turns up COUNTLESS definitions, including…
to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing. · to relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor. (dictionary.com)
To cease from action or motion. refrain from labor or exertion. To be free from anxiety or disturbance. (merriam webster)
“Rest involves your whole being, not just your body...With complete and regular rest, you will restore your health, enhance your performance and achieve an amazing sense of well-being.” (creation health)
Safe to say we are still uncovering the specifics around rest; including what rest is, the benefits of it, and personal/ cultural ideas around resting.
SLEEP is not REST
Though we sometimes use these words interchangeably, research supports the idea that, though they’re both invaluable when it comes to health and wellbeing, sleep and rest are two very different things.
Sleep is described as a “body-mind state in which we experience sensory detachment from our surroundings” whereas rest has “a broader definition than sleep [and] defined as behavior aimed at increasing physical and mental well-being, which usually involves stopping activity”. It is generally supported that “rest helps us recover from physical and mental effort and can be either active or passive.” (direct quotes from Katy Foster @sleep.org)
What is Rest?
I heard Lizze Lasater, daughter of restorative yoga queen Judith Lasater, describe rest as being intentional. I liked this concept.
Many things seem like rest in theory. For me, napping, reading a good book, watching netflix, or cooking a nice meal seem like rest activities. At the same time…napping can lead to tossing and turning, and dream-states which are not always restful. An intriguing book or a thought provoking movie can cause a racing mind or heart depending on the theme.
If I add intention to the idea of rest, I might find myself choosing to rest in completely different ways than an average Friday night. Meditating, taking a quiet bath, or diving into a restorative yoga practice, for example.
What activities come to mind when you think of resting?
Some research points to rest activities being very personal. Christine Hammond (author of the book The Art of Rest) talks of this when she shares a story of someone jogging as a form of rest. That just doesn’t get my rest button beeping! And I can see how it would feel restful to some. Safe to say it is probably counterproductive to judge or compare rest activities…if it brings you a sense of wellbeing, then it is probably working.
The Rest Test
The rest test is considered the largest study on rest to date, and the results are interesting. The study included 18,000 who were asked to choose their top three preferred activities for rest...these are the ones that came out on top…
10) Meditating / Mindfulness
9) Watching TV
8) Daydreaming
7) Bathing/ Showering
6) Walking
5) Doing nothing in particular
4) Listening to music
3) Being on your own
2) Being in the natural environment
1) Reading
Find out more info here about The Rest Test
Here is a spotify link to hear Claudia Hammond and The Art of Rest with Intelligence Squared Podcast.
I can see my rest preferences in this list. Can you? A lot of my personal Balsamic Moon rituals are listed above.
What about you? Did any of your favourite rest activities make the list?
How Restorative Yoga works…
Restorative yoga is the use of props (pillows, blankets etc.) to support the body in ways that encourage states of rest, ease and calm to bring about feelings of health and wellness. The postures themselves help to lower stress, aid in digestion, aid in improved sleep and helps calm and soothe the nervous system (to name a few).
Restorative yoga is my one of my favourite ways to incorporate rest into my routine and it can be done anywhere. Even just 5-10 minutes in a restorative posture can change how you feel in your body and how you show up in the world.
Though this type of yoga is associated with all the fancy yoga props, all you need is a comfortable warm space and some cozy things that you already have around the house to help set you up.
Why Rest?
Research is pointing to benefits of rest; increased feelings of health and wellbeing, increased productivity (which technically negates the “rest when you’re dead” vibe) healthier brains, increased memory, better digestion and fertility, and less rates of stress and anxiety.
Really, no matter HOW you choose to rest...just do it! It is important to take time to do the things that make you feel calm, at ease, and removed from being the “do-er”. While you’re resting? PUT AWAY THE SHAME AND GUILT. It is okay to take time for yourself and, in fact, it may make you a better (more productive) human in the end.
If you need a few creative options for getting your “rest on”, check out my blog below, called Happy Balsamic Moon! The perfect time to rest is NOW.
—-
I am offering an ONLINE restorative yoga class every Tuesday evening from 7:30-9 p.m. MST. Come join in to feel the effects of the practice for yourself.
Are we friends on Instagram? If not, we should be!
I’d love to see how you incorporate rest into your life. Feel free to tag me in a photo of you practicing rest @thebalsamicmoon
Until next time,
Happy resting and Much love,
Bri
