Resting doesn’t always come easy… here are 10 ways for you to come gently towards it.
1. Choose your time wisely: going from 100 to a sudden stop leaves your system asking WTAF… try to slow yourself gently towards rest.
Is there a time of day most suited to you resting?
ICYMI: we don’t need to rest only when we are tired.
2. Self massage - simple touch a lovely and wonderfully effective way to settle into the interior world whilst calming the nervous system. Maybe start with the hands or feet - those “busy” parts of the body and see what other parts call out for more.
3. Sound - is there energy wanting to be released through sound? Maybe a big exhale, maybe a groan, a primal scream…. Be open to the unexpected, see what comes out.
4. Breath - can we find an easeful way to a lengthened exhale which will help your nervous system drop a gear or two.
5. Movement - if you feel agitated, then move. It’s also possible to rest in movement. Even when we rest in stillness there is movement too.
7. Use a guide - go to a restful practice, use a recorded nidra, having somebody guide you and hold you even remotely can make the biggest difference. Supervised rest FTW.
8. Shake - this helps mobilise energy the body needs to release, and with that stress release you may find something else ‘underneath it"‘.
9. Do it your way - Rest can look different for each of us. The important thing is that you allow yourself time.
10. Remember rest is a practice - you’ll need to keep coming back to it. Some days will be easier than others.