When we think about physical wellness, we often think about staying active, working out and eating right. In the busyness of life, we may overlook an equally important piece of the puzzle: rest.
Recovery time allows our bodies to make the most of our other activities. We come back stronger after a workout, handle stress better and think more clearly at work after a break.
“Most aspects of wellness help you in other areas, and that is especially true of the physical dimension,” said Chris Sutton, a trainer at Rush Copley Healthplex.
“Rest ensures you can maintain a long-term sustainable pace. It allows you to approach challenges with fresh energy, preventing that sense of being overwhelmed that often comes when you push yourself too hard without a break.“
Signs I might need a break
While many of these symptoms occasionally happen to all of us, extended periods may be the body’s warning light that it’s feeling burned out.
Symptoms and signs of burnout might include:
• Gastrointestinal issues
• High blood pressure
• Getting sick more often
• Headaches
• Disrupted sleep
• Depression
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Inability to concentrate
• Reduced performance in daily tasks
How to build rest into your day
So how can you make sure you’re getting the rest you need? Here are a few tips from Sutton and Erik Boilesen, a physical therapist with Rush Copley's Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Center.
• Set reminders on your phone to change position frequently or take a walk at lunch if you work at a desk.
• Take advantage of break time to sit if you’re on your feet.
• Keep a wellness journal.
• Find a coworker or friend with similar health goals to hold you accountable.
• Develop a wind-down routine at night with no screen time or other distractions to keep you awake longer than necessary.
Whether at work, play or rest, remember that balance is key.
“We’re all human, so we know how hard it can be to keep up with life,” Boilesen said. “That is why it’s important to take into account our total energy reserves and include rest as much as healthy activities. If we take care of ourselves, we’ll be able to better care for our families and communities, as well as all of our other responsibilities."
