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The surprising truth about rest
Curious? Come on in...
Perle Laouenan
May 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Hello, hello,
Two weeks ago, I found myself in a bar, scatty, hungry, and overwhelmed. Just three days back from a yoga retreat in Portugal, I had been mentally unprepared for the whirlwind of work that awaited me.
After a 4 1/2 hour conversation with a new friend from an authentic relating course, something unexpected happened. Despite the intensity of our discussion, my brain, body, and soul felt deeply rested.
This encounter got me thinking about the role of rest in my life. As I packed my bags a few days later for a Moderation gig at Europe's largest event conference in Frankfurt, I reached out to my LinkedIn network for tips on incorporating rest and recharge into three days of back-to-back moderating and networking.
And let me tell you, they delivered.
TRY THESE
Journaling prompts to explore rest
Take a moment to assess your energy levels throughout the day.
When do you feel most drained or fatigued?
When do you feel most energized and rejuvenated?
Use these insights to identify which types of rest might be most beneficial for you.
Here's a snapshot of the wisdom shared by my LinkedIn community based on the seven types of rest and how to integrate them into moments of high-intensity social interaction:
Physical Rest:
Embrace the rejuvenating power of a long, hot shower or bath.
Add yoga and movement to unwind and release tension.
Mental Rest:
Disconnect from social media and technology to give your mind a break.
Delve into a topic of fascination for mental relaxation.
Emotional Rest:
Practice self-compassion and let go of expectations after a day of social interaction.
Indulge in comfort foods and activities without judgment.
Sensory Rest:
Create a calming environment with lavender oil and soothing music.
Seek solitude and sensory quietness to combat overload.
Creative Rest:
Explore passive creative outlets like watching a cozy series or mindlessly scroll through social media.
Find inspiration in nature and spend time outdoors.
Social Rest:
Set boundaries and take breaks during social events to recharge.
Opt for alone time or minimal social contact after intense interaction.
Spiritual Rest:
Connect with nature and find solace in the presence of trees and plants.
Engage in meditative practices like breathwork or spend time in a sauna.
What I learned from the answers to my request for help was how intentional we need to be about bringing rest into our lives. It requires a touch of planning and thought so that our recharges can be effective.
At the conference, I was overjoyed to hear and see how many of my fellow attendees were being intentional and vocal about their need for rest too.
So, what kind of rest do you need most in your life right now?
Curiously connecting,
always,
Perle
Listen to…
99% invisible. It’s the podcast I fall asleep to when my brain is on overdrive. There is something about the dulcet tones of show host Roman Mars and the wide-ranging topics that they cover that I find so restful.
