Rest. Pt 1

I am extremely passionate on the topic of rest. Anyone who knows me well knows that I can basically take a nap on command, I have no problem lounging away reading a good book and I value my alone, leisure time as much as I value exercise, working hard and socializing with others. I was just raised this way... with a grandmother who regularly told me to simply go lay outside in the sun and enjoy it, “you need sun.” But I know that for many people it is not that simple to rest.

I am going to split this topic into two posts. Today I'll break down the body's need for rest and what is happening in the brain and body when we are getting good rest (and when we're not). Next time, more about our society's position on rest and how to challenge the messages that have been deeply ingrained in many of us.  

First the definition of rest:
v. to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.
n. an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.

To me, these definitions are lacking. They are focused on the body and movement - but mention nothing of the mind. One can cease work, or cease strenuous activity and still not be resting. I would add to these definitions that rest is the whole system (mind-body) engaged in a restful state. Rest is when we are present in that experience of resting (if awake). Rest is a stillness in the body, combined with awareness and peace of the mind. 

Rest is vital to our functioning as human beings. We can rest when the part of our nervous system that allows for relaxation is engaged. When this relaxation occurs, the brain has been notified that we can stop the stress responses that are happening, we can stop the production of cortisol and allow the rest and relaxation neurotransmitters to do their thing. Too many people are functioning in a stress-state constantly. Stress related health issues account for 70% of doctors visits. We NEED to rest, it's vital to our physical health and mental well-being. 

Part of the difficulty of resting is confusion over what a truly restful state is. ​Many people think they'll rest when they're asleep. [But even sleeping isn't restful for the person who can't rest when they're awake.] <---- reread that if you need to.  Again, back to the brain... if the brain is in a constant stress-state during wake then, in many cases, it is losing or has lost connective pathways that would tell it to decrease or stop the stress responses (the production of cortisol etc). The stress response and release of cortisol can still be occurring even during sleep. The brain needs help repaving these pathways in order to allow you to rest when you're awake AND asleep. The brain needs to hear the message "It's ok, you can relax now." For some people the brain hears this message instantly and the person can easily switch back and forth between doing and being. For someone who is in a constant stress-state, has experienced trauma or someone who has historically denied their need for rest, the brain has a harder time hearing this message. These people need to work harder to send the message to the brain (more on that below).

Other ways people misinterpret rest are activities like binge watching TV, scrolling through social media/reading the news or working from ones computer. The body may be in a still state during these activities, so you think - I'm resting - but if the mindful awareness is not there, then you're missing the benefits. If you're still challenging your mind with work, worrying or completely checked out or numbed out, then you're not in a truly restful state. 

One way to check yourself is to take a moment to be mindful about what you're doing. This means, as you're sitting down to watch a movie, think "I am going to rest now" and ask yourself, "Is my mind at rest. Am I truly allowing myself to "be" instead of "do." Watch the tendency to multi-task (more on this next month). If you're watching a movie, watch a movie. If you're taking a bath, be present for that experience, rather than dictating an email in your mind. Remember to keep an eye on what the mind is doing, even if the body is at rest. Is the mind busy? How can you quiet it. Is the mind checked out and numb? How can you bring it back to the present moment? One great way to address both of these issues is to make sure you are breathing fully. As you are gearing up to rest, take a few deep, long, slow breaths in and out. Really focus on the breathing and connect both your mind and body in this present moment of restfulness. Another way might be to position your body in a way that promotes rest - legs up the wall is a good one. Another luxurious option that I love might be using essential oils to try and help the brain hear the message that it's okay to relax - I am LOVING my ritual of oils in the shower and before bed. 

Some time for reflection: When are you truly resting? What forms of rest are a part of your regular life? To what degree do you prioritize rest? How easily is your brain able to switch between a state of stress and a state of rest?