Do you sometimes feel like you have to do something – anything – to be productive? You are not the only one. In today’s society, we are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be busy all the time. But what if we tell you that sometimes doing nothing is actually the best thing you can do for your health? Here’s why taking a break from doing nothing is as healthy as physical activity.
A recent study sheds light on the power of “doing nothing” on how our brain works.
Washington State University’s Professional Sleep Medicine Group recently published a study on the benefits of awake rest. This study found that awake rest helps improve cognitive performance and reduce fatigue by providing a break from mental stimulation. This technique is defined as a state of wakefulness characterized by a low level of mental and physical activity. Indeed, it allows the brain to consolidate information and lower the level of stress. The study also showed that awake rest helps reduce the risk of accidents and mistakes by giving the body a chance to recover from fatigue. The researchers were able to conclude that awake rest is an important part of maintaining optimal health and safety in the workplace.
What is awake rest?
Awake rest is a state of complete mental and physical relaxation, during which brain waves are slowed down and the body rests. This type of rest is essential for our well-being, as it allows the brain to recover from the constant stimulation of everyday life. It thus helps to improve our mood, reduce stress levels and can even strengthen our immune system. Unfortunately, many of us live in a culture where rest is considered unnecessary, even unproductive. We are constantly challenged and accustomed to constantly “doing something”.
Therefore, it is often difficult for us to sit still and do nothing. However, it is important to remember that rest is not a waste of time, but an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Next time you have some free time, instead of picking up your phone or turning on the TV, why not try to sit quietly and do nothing? You might be surprised at how good it feels for you.
How to succeed in adopting awake rest every day for absolute well-being?
First, dedicate 30 minutes to an hour a day to awake rest. During this time, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. If your mind starts to wander, just let the thoughts pass and focus on your breathing again. Second, make a commitment to stick with it. Awake rest is not a one-time event. It’s something you need to do regularly to get results. Finally, be patient and trust the process. It takes time to develop a regular practice of wakeful rest, but the benefits are worth it.
Another type of rest that gets more attention: deliberate rest.
Deliberate rest is a term coined by writer and blogger Cal Newport. It refers to the practice of taking time off from work to reflect on what one has accomplished and set future goals. This can be done through activities such as journaling, meditation, and talking with a mentor. The main purpose of deliberate rest is to give you time to reflect on your work so that you can continue to improve and grow. By taking regular breaks, you allow yourself to recharge mentally and physically. This can lead to improved productivity and creativity, as well as greater job satisfaction. In today’s fast-paced world, deliberate rest can be an invaluable tool for anyone looking to improve their work-life balance.
It’s like the weekend or the holidays.
From another angle, Deliberate Rest is a structured break from work that allows you to recharge and reset. It can take many different forms, but the key is that it’s planned and intentional. For example, you can take a 10-minute break every hour to walk around the block or stretch. You can also take a longer break once a day to exercise or meditate. The important thing is that you deliberately choose activities that will help you relax and rejuvenate. When practiced regularly, deliberate rest can improve your productivity, mood, and overall well-being.
In conclusion, find what works best for you and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit to see what best helps you rejuvenate and restore your energy. Deliberate or awake rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, so find what makes you feel best and work it into your routine!
