Day 4: Rest
Nutrition and exercise are really only a portion of what truly makes up wellness + health. Rest and stress-management are two other vital pieces of the puzzle.
Making time for rest and self-care during the holiday season can seem impossible. But, like most things we've talked about so far, it's all about being intentional.
Getting that R&R is more than just a creature comfort. Research shows that insufficient sleep is associated with obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Our immune system is also impacted by sleep. In a recent study, those who averaged less than 7 hours of sleep per night were 3x more likely to develop a common cold than those who averaged 8+ hours per night.
8 hours is a sold night's rest. It may not be feasible for some of us any night of the week, much less 7 nights a week. This is why it's important to rest when you can. Kick your feet up on the couch. Draw a bath. Drink hot tea. Do some relaxing yoga. Read a book in your favorite chair. Taking quiet time in a peaceful setting can help make up for some of that lack of sleep and allow your body to rest and repair.
Try not to overcommit. Don't be afraid to say no. You may be surprised that most of your family and friends will be understanding if you can't do it all during the holidays. If your weekend schedule is back-to-back events, something has to give. If you don't prioritize your wellness, others won't either.
Ask for help. Too much on your plate to rest? Reach out to a loved one for some support. Talk through some ideas and find a way to make time for wellness. Your body will thank you and you will feel recharged to take on the tasks at hand.
Oh, to sleep like a dog...
Peace and wellness, to you! Have a lovely weekend.
