Untold Potential of Rest
Untold Potential of Rest
As we venture on any new journey we start with an incredible amount of intensity. Whether it is a physical goal like losing a few pounds or a mental challenge of pushing past old boundaries, intensity is surely present. But as time passes, the fire that comes from this continuous intensity begins to extinguish itself. This is where rest comes in; rest feeds this fire of intensity with unimaginable energy. According to The Merriam-Webster dictionary, rest is ''a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities, something used for support, a rhythmic silence in music, or a peace of mind or spirit.''
Regardless of your definition, the importance of rest can not be overstated. Rest is what rejuvenates and refreshes the body, mind and spirit. Rest is what leads us to untapped territories of potential in our lives and existence! Rest is an integral part of my method of training clients and students; here a few different forms and applications of rest.
Active Rest
Rest is how we spend our time, so how are you currently spending your time? Is it with conscious awareness, or is it a mix of unhealthy, subconscious, self destructive habits due to work and life circumstances?
Being conscious about your rest is the secret ingredient in growth! After an intense workout, yoga session, meditation or day at work, rest is what will heal you. Rest should be a combination of conscious individualized fitness, timely and balanced nutrition, stretching, meditation and reading.
In regards to fitness, but not exclusive to it, consuming the right foods at the right times and sleeping when the body begins to give subtle and abrupt signals is what will lead you to GREATER RECOVERY, which will award you with GAINS and RESULTS! The reason why most people aren't able to reach their goals is not a lack of intensity, but a lack of rest. The problem is maintaining and harnessing intensity toward a direction for higher potential. Making rest a conscious part of your daily routine will do wonders for your body, mind and spirit.
Another incredible method for enhancing recovery is stretching with rhythmic breathing. This is what the science of Yoga is all about. As both a Yoga Teacher trained in The Traditional Indian Methods of Yoga & A Certified Personal Trainer, I can not emphasize enough the power of structured breathing and stretching movements. It will release the hormones and chemicals that might have unfortunately become stored in your body due to intense workouts or a hectic daily work and life schedule.
The power of rest is profound, explore and experiment in these areas and see if you are able to feel the incredible healing power of rest that has driven me to write this article!