We have learned that there is an importance of choosing relaxing activities that will help counter the effects of stress. When feeding our comfort system, here are some things to consider:
- We allow our brain to process new information. Ever have a day that is go, go, go, only to lay in bed thinking about everything you put aside all day? Ha! serves you right, your brain will say as it needs time to process information and emotionally driven content. Finding ways to rest allows you that time during our wakeful hours.
- We honour our body. Like we learned yesterday, our bodies need time to counter stress induced hormones with relaxation response hormones. A 5 minute guided mediation at your break will help to honour your body and soothe your mind.
- Our coping mechanisms are front and center. A few restless nights of sleep and busy days can leave us feeling vulnerable and our coping strategies seem to go out the window. Taking 20 minutes to walk in the forest will do wonders for feeling restored and capable.
- Resting is an act of trust. Let’s face it, we can’t control everything and yet by keeping ourselves too busy, we try to. When we take time to rest, we remind ourselves that we can just be.
Read your book, listen to soothing music with your eyes closed, sit beside the dog on the couch and slowly pet their ears. Finding time to relax throughout our day, will help to remind us the importance of balance and feeling grounded and settled.
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