RELAX AND UNWIND
RELAX AND UNWIND
Busy lives and the inability to switch off is affecting our lives says James Reeve’s, Emma Watson’s rest guru and co-author of “The Book of Rest: Stop Striving, Start Being.”
One in five GP appointments made are concerning tiredness, mostly because we are doing everything except relaxing and resting. We may think that a slow walk or reading a good book is enough, but this is often not the case.
People feel that if they have time to switch off and do nothing, they aren’t busy enough, being productive, or not working or playing hard enough. If you tend to feel that every waking hour needs to be filled with something you’d probably benefit from downtime.
True rest and relaxation will boost energy levels, mood and sleep, reduce anxiety and assist in problem solving which in the long term benefit our overall health.
James Reeve’s techniques may help assist you to do nothing, to go from a headless chicken to being someone who is calm and content. There are no rules on how or when to get rest, it can occur anytime, anyplace or anywhere.
The technique includes:
Firstly, switch off phones and computers.
Sit or lie down so you are comfortable.
Drop any expectations you may have and let go of any need for an outcome.
Let your mind fill with as many thoughts as it wants.
Begin doing the above for a minute or so every day and work up to 20 – 30 minutes.
At then end of the session take a deep breath.
Be aware of how this period of nothing impacts on the rest of your day.
During your “do nothing” resting state the brain is still working hard to process experiences and memories, regulate emotions and attention and keep us firing on all cylinders.
Meditation has been shown to be one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and boost energy levels by settling the mind and body. There are many mindfulness apps available to help guide you through the process.
So, allow yourself time to relax and unwind every day and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Source: The Mail on Sunday supplement 22nd September 2019