Creating Rhythms of Rest

Rest is crucial to staying with yourself. It’s good for your mind, your body and your spirit. You’ve already heard me say that it’s not a reward for doing things, which is why having rhythms of rest is so important.

I have some thoughts about creating these rhythms.

Have scaled rest cadences. What does that even mean? I mean have a small daily rest practice, a weekly rest practice, a larger monthly rest practice, and a big annual rest practice. What might that look like?

• Have one month per year where you have a clear calendar and limited obligations.

• Have one week a month where you turn your focus inward and ground yourself.

• Have one day a week where you do not work, and yet do not fill it with all the other things of life.

• Have a moment every day where you just get the chance to sit and be.

Figure out what feels restful to you. For some people, it is laying down and doing nothing but it might also be:

• A completely free day to clean your space

• Taking a walk outside

• Working out, doing yoga, or stretching

• Taking a nap

• Spending time near water

• Taking some deep breaths

• Sitting in silence

• Gardening or yardwork

Make space for your rest. You may need to reorient your life and schedule to make space to rest. It doesn’t have to be huge, sudden changes — maybe you can make gradual tweaks to your life to build these restful rhythms like putting your phone in a different room at bedtime, or taking a walking break during the work day for ten minutes.