As COVID-19 has shown us, taking some time away from the hustle and bustle of life can be rewarding and beneficial to our health.
We have been able to take the time to enjoy a little downtime, thinking about what we are putting into our bodies, on our skin, and how we energise our minds and bodies.
Now, we are firm believers in “rest and restore”, and this is why it is our mantra for 2020—and why it should be yours as well.
Why rest is our new top priority
If 2019 was the year of getting out there, putting in the work, and achieving our goals, 2020 is the year of staying in, resting, and reflecting.
Sounds easy, right? Not so much.
The truth is, many of us have gotten so accustomed to this always-on, go-go-go way of life, we’ve forgotten what it actually means to slow down.
The idea of going to bed early or taking a day off might even dredge up uncomfortable feelings of panic, guilt, or shame.
If you can relate to this, you’re not alone. It just means there’s even more reason to make “rest and restore” a healthy new mantra – and not just because you have to because we’re in lockdown!
How to prioritize rest, starting tonight.
You don’t need anyone to tell you that the ultimate form of rest is sleep. Optimising your nightly shut-eye is the perfect place to start prioritising slowing down.
But…where to begin?
Start by shutting down your devices early.
Part ways with your phone, TV, and computer at least an hour before bed. If that sounds impossible, start with 30 minutes before bed, then work your way up.
Optimise your sleep environment.
This means making sure your space is nice and cool, quiet, and completely dark—the best conditions for quality sleep. Keep your bedroom cool during the daytime with blinds to keep out sunlight. Diffusing calming essential oils like lavender into the air can help lull your body and mind to sleep more easily, too.
Find time to read.
Just ten pages a day is said to make a difference to the way you sleep. It helps calm the mind and takes away the thoughts of the day.
Create a sleep ritual.
Nighttime rituals can go a long way in promoting rest and relaxation (warm baths, tea, journaling, and more all make for great p.m. rituals). But rather than get in a rhythm of soothing activities, many of us tend to focus on the thoughts and behaviors that are keeping us sleep-deprived.
Get more sunlight during the day.
Getting good rest at night starts in the morning. Exposing your eyes to bright light during waking hours can improve your mood and focus in the daytime and enhance your sleep quality at night. Try getting outside for at least a few minutes each day.