Exploring rest
As summer is approaching, I am finding myself contemplating rest.
SK summers are short-lived, and summers can also be stressful AF for those juggling a business and kiddos.
As I’m digging into the research, I’ve realized I have many beliefs about the concept of rest.
Tell me, does this internal chatter sound at all familiar?
✨ You can rest when you get all your work done.
✨ If you rest now, you will be behind next week.
✨ Good lord, stop being so lazy and get to work.
I’m at the stage where I’m ready to say FU to the hustle and false urgency.
Credit - Leesa Renee Hall, IG @leesareneehall
Before I continue, I want to give credit where it’s due. I did not develop 👆🏼 quote, but I feel it deeply. Whenever a topic piques my curiosity, you can find me headed down the rabbit hole researching and seeking out those who are experts in the field. In this case, I was led to individuals such as The Nap Ministry, Leesa Renee Hall, Sandra Dalton Smith & Somatic Experiencing International. All inspirational individuals with books and resources available. Please go check it out.
The end story - rest is essential. It’s not done for greater output; it’s part of being human that we often bypass because our culture worships being busy.
So here are just a few benefits to rest:
👉🏼greater concentration & productivity
👉🏼healthier immune system & nervous system regulation
👉🏼reduces stress & boosts moods
👉🏼prevents burnout & exhaustion
👉🏼renews energy & motivation
I’m on board, 100%. The tricky part is how do I accomplish rest while also running a service-based business?
While exploring the rabbit hole, I discovered many facets to rest. According to Sandra Dalton Smith, there are seven areas of rest.
Physical - active (yoga, hiking, meditation, massage), passive (sleep, napping)
Mental - breaks during the day, walk in nature, journaling or brain dumps
Social - solo me time, boundaries, limit toxic relationships
Spiritual - meditation, gratitude, reflection, personal values
Sensory - screen-free time, no phone weekends, DND on phone
Emotional - connect with people you trust, therapy, journal
Creative - read for fun, immerse in art, play an instrument
Rest can be experienced in a multitude of ways. It’s not just sitting on the deck reading a book (although that sounds pretty freakin amazing, ATM); it can take many shapes and forms. This knowledge opened my eyes to other ways to experience rest and be present in my business. That looks like intentionally scheduled time away from the computer to explore rest.
That said, now seems like the right time to let you know that the BMD office will be switching to summer hours for July and August, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm.
Here’s to a summer of exploring rest.
xoxo,