Do you ever have those seasons where you are moving from one thing to the next, keeping up with all the things, managing all the tasks, moving toward a goal and reaching for the summit? That’s the season we’ve been in for the last several months. Suddenly, things that shouldn’t be a big deal, are; things people do that shouldn’t be hurtful, crush your spirit; that one glimmering ray of hope you had yesterday seems dimmed by a cloud of reality. In moments like these, it is vitally important to care for yourself and take the time to rest and reset.
1 – Soften your surroundings
Sometimes, when our spirit needs a good rest, one of the simplest ways to do that is to soften your surroundings. I love a good candle for this. Even when the day may not be gloomy or overcast, a little flickering candlelight can be the ambience you need to reset your thoughts. There’s nothing quite as therapeutic as staring into a campfire or fireplace and watching the flames dance around in no particular order or rhythm. But during the summer months, that’s not always an option. A good candle can offer that same soothing effect and may just be the moment you need to reset and reset.
2 – Seek to sooth the atmosphere
I know I’ve talked about this before, but changing the atmosphere of your surroundings can be as simple as choosing the music you’re hearing. I find that guitar instrumentals are a great place to start. There is an all-time favorite I’d like to introduce you to. Augustin Amigo. I discovered him last autumn and he quickly became a go to for me when I need a good rest and reset day. I hope you enjoy as much as I do.
3 – Take comfort in the quiet moments
There is something very comforting in a stolen quiet moment. When I find myself needing a rest or reset, I often reach for a warm beverage. Two favorites are a coffee, or a matcha latte. Both of these options have a comfort that feels like home to my body and my mind.
Maybe your beverage of choice is an iced tea, or a cool strawberry lemonade. The specifics aren’t important. What is important is taking a moment. It doesn’t have to be a long moment, but I believe you’ll find even a short five or ten minute break will do wonders if you need to reset.
4 – Reset your mind
Sometimes, you need to allow yourself to rest. In moments of stress or overwhelm, taking a short power nap (defined as 17 minutes or less) can completely reset your mental state. When our children were young, I worked during the day, took them to after-school activities, sports practices, kept the house, maintained the laundry, and did all the things. I started taking a ten-minute rest after school, every day. The children knew their after school routines, and I would close my bedroom door, dim the lights, and set a 10-minute timer.
No matter what else was going on, this ten-minute reset was always enough to move me from a state of overwhelm and over stimulation, to a state of rest and reset. During the Covid pandemic, while working remotely from home, this 10-minute reset was exactly what I needed to transition me from a work day, to being home. I highly recommend a 10-minute reset when you can work it in. Even if you work this time into a lunch hour, an after school or after work routine, or as part of your evening routine. Reset your mind, and you’ll find the rest of your day goes more smoothly.
Be sure to tell me your favorite way to find a quick reset and find moments of rest when you’re overwhelmed.
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The Rhythm of Rest: The 7 Types of Reset You Need to Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body
