Cincinnati Counselor in Training Explains the Importance of Giving Yourself the Gift of Rest
It is hard to believe this year is already ending. Time seems to move faster and faster as each month passes—while the world around us spins even quicker. Often, it can feel difficult to keep up. As the seasons change, the shorter days and colder weather can help slow us down and remind humans that we, too, can benefit from a hibernation of sorts. Who doesn’t like a reason to get cozy?
Rest is more than 8 hours of sleep or a much-needed midday nap in between a busy schedule.
“Rest is anything that makes our nervous systems feel safe enough for our stress responses to switch off so our minds and bodies can recover and restore.” - Nicola Jane Hobbs, The Relaxed Woman
There is no denying the impact stress and trauma have on our health. If you are reading this blog, you are most likely interested in ways to help alleviate some of the stressors in your life. Rest is a free and accessible tool to do so.
Rest is also resistance. Today’s rapid paced society can make it nearly impossible to receive the required amount of rest our nervous systems need. Many people struggle to simply find the time.
In theory, the end of the year bodes well for rest with the sun setting early and most people staying in more. However, the hustle and bustle of the holidays tends to counteract that.
In order for rest to become part of our routine, we must prioritize it.
Tricia Hersey, author, and founder of The Nap Ministry writes, “Resting as a form of resistance will be part of a lifelong unraveling. A mind shift, a slow and consistent practice filled with grace. We must imagine a new way, and rest is the foundation for this invention.”
As simple as resting seems, it is also common for people to feel much guilt or shame around it due to insidious thoughts of laziness, “I should be doing something else, something more productive.” This ingrained ethos from grind culture has hindered our ability to rest fully and truly.
Rest means ease. Rest brings relief. Rest gives support. Resting, slowing down, practicing mindfulness, creating space for ourselves, staying present in each moment are all modes in which we can take care of ourselves.
Rest helps us heal.
When was the last time you rested? Whether it was today or four years ago, I invite you this holiday season to find moments of rest.
Here are eight types of rest we all need and a few ideas on how to do so:
Physical rest: stretching, eating nourishing foods
Mental rest: painting, taking care of houseplants
Emotional rest: a good cry, journaling
Social rest: intimacy, participating in community
Sensory rest: silence, relaxing music
Creative rest: drawing, crafting
Playful rest: playing a board game, building a fort
Spiritual rest: helping a neighbor, meditation
Photo Credit:
References:
Hobbs, N. J. (2023, June 10). Instagram Post.
Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: a manifesto. Little Brown Spark.
The Rooted Compassion team is made up of a group of counselors who have a variety of specialties in order to best serve our clients. We recognize that every person has his/her own personal and unique life experiences and that one modality will not work for every client. Listed below is a summary of our counselors’ specialties at Rooted Compassion:
Polyvagal Theory/Nervous System Focused Therapy
Trauma Responsive Care Techniques
Grief Counseling
Somatic Focused Counseling
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Drama Therapy/Expressive Arts
If you are interested in learning more about what Rooted Compassion is all about, please contact us today, look through our website, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Rooted Compassion Counseling is Ohio’s leading practice for trauma therapy through the lens of the nervous system. Our focus is to walk alongside clients as they heal from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and/or loss. If you or someone you know are seeking to explore and build an inner sense of calm and safety, please contact us today. We would love to help you to find a counselor and counseling techniques that will guide you on your mental health journey to healing.
