Do you get enough Rest?... When was the last time you really Relaxed?... When you wake up each morning do you feel re-energised and Reset for a new day?

Most of us get so caught up in the day to day bustle of real life that we often don't take the steps to reconnect with ourselves. 

Taking time to REST is vital to living a healthier happier life. By getting enough rest it improves our mood, reduces stress and therefore improves our mental health. Rest also impacts our body by reenforcing a healthier immune system and an even better metabolism. And by getting enough rest our productivity is enhanced by our increased concentration and memory function. 

So how do we get enough rest? To rest while we are awake means resting our whole being, not just our body. To do this make sure to take time out for yourself on a daily basis. This will give you the chance to slow down, recentre and focus. You can do this in various ways.... on your coffee break.... or at lunch.... or after you have dropped the kids at school. Take short breaks several times throughout the day and the trick is to find a quiet space and just let your body Relax. Be aware of your surroundings and allow yourself to disconnect.

Rest through sleep is a vital process that allows the brain and body to slow down putting us into a state of recovery. Ensuring we get enough sleep each night is vital to our recovery process. To ensure we get enough sleep and sleep well, create a routine and be consistent. Your bedroom should be a space of tranquility for the purpose of sleep. Create a space that is cool, relaxing, comfortable, dark and quiet, Refrain from using electronic devices in this space such as phones, computers, tvs etc, and in your nightly routine refrain from eating too much and also don't go to bed hungry.

What does it mean to Relax?

Relaxation is the process of reducing the amount of stress on your body and mind. It gives us the ability to free ourselves from tensions and anxieties. If we don't relax enough we open ourselves up to physical and mental health issues. Lack of relaxation can increase our stress levels leading to headaches, high blood pressure and even strokes or heart attacks, It can also affect our mental health leading to depression, anxiety, anger and negative thoughts.

Relaxation is important to our wellbeing. By taking time to relax we are investing in a healthier,happier lifestyle. There are many methods and techniques to relaxation but in principle it is taking the time to step away and do something we find calming that makes us feel Happy! This could be reading a book, gardening, running a bath, listening to music.

Time to reset. Every morning we wake up, it is a new day, a new start. By ensuring we are getting enough Rest and Relaxation in our day to day routines we are giving ourselves the opportunity to start each and everyday revitalised and Reset, ready to go forward with a clear and rested mind and body, implementing routines into our daily lives and being mindful of our action makes us more productive and in essence happier. Routine gives us stability and structure promoting emotional, mental and physical health. Create your own routine that fits with your lifestyle, and making a general daily todo list will help you keep focused and on track.

Remember to invest in yourself and your wellbeing. It's the biggest investment you will make in your whole life.