We're finally drawing to the end of winter weather here in New England and as I watch ya'll come into the studio I can tell it's taken its toll. Everyone seems to have been sick in the last couple of months (myself included!). Energy is low all around, even with the stirrings of spring. What to do to get yourself back in the swing of things so you can head outside and start to enjoy everything the warmer weather and the new season provides?

REST!

It's kind of amazing, but in our modern world we seem to offer ourselves so little opportunity for rest and relaxation. There's always something to do that seems "more important". 

• The laundry

• The bills

• Checking the kids schoolwork

• Getting to that next appointment

• Grocery shopping

• Going out with that friend or family member

• (Fill in the commitment of your choice HERE!)

All of those things are certainly important. But if we don't give our bodies the time they need to rest, the cycle of stress from being worn out and not feeling well just continues. While we may think we are separate from the turnings of nature (even our electric lights and the computer or phone you're probably reading this on interrupt our natural ability to rest), rest is so very important to our total well being.

It's time to break the cycle!

It's time to give yourself permission to rest! I know. It isn't easy. 

Does it help if I give you permission to rest? I give you permission to rest! :-)

So now that you have permission, how to go about it? Here are some ideas:

1. Turn off the TV/phone/computer/tablet whatever at least 30 minutes before you plan to go to bed. Read a book. Take a bath. Listen to soothing music. This will help your body start to wind down for sleep.

2. Take a nap! They aren't just for children. A short nap can be very helpful when your energy is low.

3. Find a place to sit outside and listen to the sounds of nature. See how many different sounds you can hear. Maybe you can even see what's making the sound but if you can't, can you identify the source? You might be amazed at how relaxing this can be and how restful you may find this simple change of scenery and concentration. Try it on your lunch break at work!

4. Meditate. Just a few minutes of meditation can be very restful to every system of your body. Don't know how? Come to class or sign up for a private lesson.

5. Do a yoga nidra session. We often offer yoga nidra in our more gentle classes so you might find one there. But you can also do it on your own by downloading and listening to a recording. If you've never done yoga, don't worry! If you can lay down you can do yoga nidra! Learn more about yoga nidra here.

What other ways have you found to incorporate moments or times of rest in your busy life? Leave me a comment! I'd love to hear from you!