The Importance of Rest

I distinctly remember various points in my life when I was indirectly living by the motto “sleep is for the dead,” as I prioritized everything but rest. Initially, it seemed to be a good strategy as I achieved goals and met deadlines, but with time the damage of pushing my body to its limits, and that mind set, became more apparent. Mental and physical fatigue can present itself in various ways in the short term and the long term. When talking about “rest” I am referring to that of the body and mind; both of which are crucial components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Rest of the body can look like making sure you’re getting adequate sleep on a daily basis, maybe taking a nap, or taking a rest day from working out/ or a break from any physically strenuous activity. Over exhaustion of the body can cause decreased performance, and make you more prone to injury. Some of the physical benefits of proper rest are:

• Restored energy and strength

• Regulated blood pressure

• Decreases inflammation 

• Healthy immune system

Rest of the mind can look like taking your break at work, taking some “me time,” or taking a much needed vacation. Personally I know when I need a mental break when I notice my mood shifting towards the negative for long periods of time, with little reason to be so. Some mental benefits are:

• Balanced mood

• Lowered stress levels

• Improved memory

• Improved productivity

It may seem counter intuitive, but taking breaks and making sure you get proper rest, will help you achieve your goals without damaging your body.