KNOWING WHEN TO TAKE A REST

And why the heck you oughta!

 

Have you ever returned to work after a long holiday weekend (or similar time away) and noticed an increased “spring in your step”? It could be that extra energy and balance comes from having a little more personal “me time”!

 

We all require time to take a deep breath and step away from the normal day-to-day grind!  I’m reminded that in all pieces of great music, there are rests of a beat or two that fall at the end of phrases and sections to make the song flow correctly.  Yet where in our lives do we have Rest Signs?  It seems we must make ‘em or take ‘em!

 

The Caution Sign is out for all the potential (or actual) workaholics, who can’t seem to take a rest.  They’re typically either a wee bit compulsive, or, programmed in such a way that they feel guilty taking time for themselves, and so tend to always be in task completion mode. Sound familiar?

 

Personally, I recognize this pattern well because I’m a high achiever.  However, not long ago I was given both a reminder and a whole new perspective on the importance of resting from time to time.  I was having physical therapy (recovering from an ankle fracture), and my PT Doc explained why it’s important to rest between sets of reps when working on strengthening a specific muscle group.  Resting between sets allows for certain chemicals to re-enter the muscles, replenishing the fuel for energy.  He said that if I kept on working a muscle all the way to 30 reps with no rest at 15, it would be hard to finish all 30 because that muscle is exhausted and has no fuel.  Fifteen reps and then a minute or two rest before repeating?  No problem!  I tried out his theory, and found, boy, he was spot on!

 

What a great metaphor for life, I thought!  Knowing when to take that rest period in our life is critical to keeping our energy and endurance up over both the long and short haul. 

 

But, there are a couple of fine points on this.  First, taking a rest period doesn’t mean you do absolutely nothing.  It could be you take time to work on a hobby, do some gardening, wax your favorite car, re-arrange your closet a bit – little projects you’ve been desiring to get to which give you pleasure.  Not a great time to initiate something large and new, however.  Take a long breath instead and wait till you’ve recharged your battery.

 

Secondly, remember that sleeping is not a waste of time!  I often hear of folks who use long holiday weekends to catch up on their shut-eye.  Scientific research has proven the restorative nature of deep sleep.  Our bodies are incredible healing machines, but not when we’re on the go all the time. Occasionally allowing yourself some extra sleep time is restorative for all parts of you.  Don’t think of it as being lazy.  Rather, you’re resting and renewing.  When it’s time to go back to work, you’ll be stronger than ever!

 

And now that I’ve finished this entire blog post, time for a little nap . . . 

 

© 2025 Marie Moran