7 IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF REST
Hello everyone and welcome to the beginning of September and the LABOR DAY weekend. Typically, Labor Day marks a time to Celebrate the American work ethic by relaxing and taking the day off.
In many parts of our country, however, and around the world the last few weeks have been extremely challenging and difficult. Here in the United States our neighbors on the Gulf Coast have been experiencing unprecedented storms and floods. In the far east, Asian monsoons continue to ravage the countries of India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
With so much work to do right now, for many this weekend will not be a time for relaxation. Too many of us are literally just trying to keep our heads above water. And, once we survive the storm, we need to face the aftermath. Massive clean-ups. Rebuilding. Restoring. And, reassessing what we have, what we want and what we need.
All this will take an enormous amount of time, energy, mental and emotional strength.
But, in the midst of the chaos and confusion many are facing at the moment, it’s essential to take care of ourselves. We simply cannot take care of anything or anyone else properly unless and until we take care of ourselves first.
So, today’s Blog is a simple reminder to all of us about the importance of rest – especially during an emergency — and the benefits that come with it.
Briefly, let’s review 7 BENEFITS OF REST ESSENTIAL TO WELL-BEING:
1) Rest lowers our heart rate and blood pressure giving our cardiovascular system a much-needed break from the stress and strain of facing an emergency.
2) A few minutes of relaxation will reduce the muscle aches, tension and stiffness we are bound to experience from the physical labor of cleaning up, restoring and rebuilding.
3) Rest helps improve our immune system to help fight off any illness or disease we might face in the aftermath of a disaster.
4) Once rested, our bodies will experience improved physical efficiency and more energy in order to continue our work AND to help others.
5) Resting for brief moments will increase our mental clarity, concentration and psychological coping skills – all of which are vital in the important decision-making process required during times of emergency.
6) Rest lowers stress by decreasing the abnormal levels of our stress hormone cortisol, which is elevated when we experience an emergency. As a result, we can remain more alert, more productive and even more positive as we undertake the recovery process.
7) Intermittent moments of rest throughout the day will help us sleep at night. Sleep is sometimes hard to come by when we are experiencing an emergency. But, a deep night’s sleep is essential to repair and rebuild the body’s connective tissue as well as the brain’s neural pathways.
Yes, it may seem counter-productive – even counter-intuitive – to rest in the midst of an emergency or natural disaster. But, we need energy, strength and mental clarity before we can help others. We need to fill our vessel before we can share with others. If we deplete ourselves, we have nothing to give.
As our friends in the airline industry always say, “Put your own oxygen mask on first.” Then help others put on theirs.
So, even in the midst of an emergency — if and when it’s possible — take five minutes every few hours to close your eyes and rest, practice deep-breathing, engage in silent prayer or intentional visualization or simply meditate easily on the task at hand. Doing so will go a long way in restoring the equilibrium, balance and focus so necessary to the proper functioning of the body and mind.
For when these things are restored, we can give more generously to others. And, this is good for the soul.
In closing I continue to send LOVE and LIGHT to all those in need at this time. May you BE WELL, STAY SAFE & REMAIN STRONG.
Thanks for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
Let’s share once more some important EMERGENCY LINKS:
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