Everyone always seems to be talking about self-care. Get your 8 hours of sleep, hit the gym, put on a weekly face mask, and many other things.
But sometimes all you really need is a real break. Not that ‘I’ll squeeze in a nap between emails’ nonsense, but an actual pause where you are able to chill, breathe, and completely reset without having a little annoying guilt about it.
If you are caring for a family member, juggling heavy workloads, or just trying to keep up with everyday duties, rest probably comes last on your list. But there is no way that you can look after anybody else if you are running on empty.
Let’s have a look at what rest really looks like and why it is important for you to take time for yourself.
Rest Isn’t Just Sleep
You can get a full night’s sleep and still feel extremely tired the next day. This is because rest is about more than just getting into bed at the end of the day.
It’s also your mental load. Sometimes you need to be able to rest knowing that things have been taken care of by someone else, or you’ve ticked it off early. Ever heard of mom guilt? This is the prime suspect in moms becoming burnt out.
Whether you are looking after an elderly parent, a partner, or someone else, the responsibilities don’t just stop and disappear, so it makes sense to feel a little guilt for wanting a break.
That’s where looking at some short-term support options can be really useful, such as a respite care home. They can give you peace of mind while you take time to recharge.
Make Space for Stillness
Constant notifications, noise, and errands can wear you down even if you don’t notice it happening at the time. So, you need to make time for quiet and stillness.
You don’t need a long vacation or four weeks off. Just an afternoon will do the trick.Take a walk around the block, spend the afternoon sitting in the local park, or spend time reading a book with your phone on silent.
It might sound really simple, but these types of moments are the ones that help you reset and get on with things.
Ask for Help Before You Hit a Wall
Many people wait until they are totally burnt out before they even consider asking anyone for help, but by then, everything feels harder to fix. The better way to deal with this is to plan your breaks in advance before you desperately need them.
Look ahead in your calendar and have a look to see whether you can block off a weekend. Can a friend or service step in for a few hours or days, making room for you to have some rest?
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to earn a rest or break away; it is something you should include in your routine so you can be your best self. Do you do anything to make sure you get a rest? Let us know in the comments.
Leave a Reply