Are you a self care seeker? I know I am obsessed by this concept and I am a huge advocate for it, hence my chosen vocation as a yoga practitioner. However, in my social media feeds I am bombarded with self care posts that are almost screaming at you to 'do more'. Sometimes it feels like a pressure within itself. In today's fast-paced world, many of us are constantly on the move, wanting to be movers and shakers and creators of living our best life, juggling work, family, and social responsibilities. Presenting as though 'we've got this' as it's deemed un-cool to want everything to just simply pause or stop for one hot minute!
The modern mentality of always staying busy, combined with societal pressure to be productive, has led to an epidemic of burnout, stress, and fatigue. Time and time again I often see my 1:1 clients and yoga class students with these symptoms.
Yet, (and I have to remind myself of this often too) one of the simplest remedies for this overwhelming lifestyle is often the most overlooked—rest. This is why if you've ever been to one of my classes I'm always banging on about giving yourself permission to arrive into the space and honour yourself the hour of recharge, deep rest and reset.
Rest isn’t just about physical relaxation; it’s essential for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Both science and ancient Ayurvedic and yogic teachings support the profound benefits of resting, not just for recovery but for maintaining overall balance in life. Let’s explore why rest is crucial and why we should embrace it guilt-free.
The Science of Rest and Recovery
1. Rest Enhances Cognitive Function
The brain, like any other muscle, needs time to recharge. Neuro-scientific research shows that adequate rest improves memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities. During rest, the brain consolidates information, forms new neural connections, and removes toxins that accumulate during periods of activity. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation impairs attention, creativity, and decision-making skills, which are all essential for daily functioning.
2. Rest Reduces Stress and Enhances Emotional Health
The body’s stress response, or "fight-or-flight" mechanism, is designed to be temporary. Chronic stress, however, keeps the body in a state of constant alertness, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression. Rest activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s "rest and digest" mode, allowing it to recover from stress. Research has shown that taking time to relax, meditate, or simply enjoy leisure activities lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improves mood.
3. Physical Health and Recovery
Rest plays a vital role in physical recovery, particularly for athletes or those engaged in strenuous activity. During periods of rest, muscles repair, bones grow, and the immune system strengthens. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a weakened immune system, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and a greater likelihood of developing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Rest from an Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health, places great emphasis on balance between activity and rest. According to Ayurveda, each person’s constitution (or dosha)—Vata, Pitta, or Kapha—dictates how much rest they need and how they handle stress and fatigue. Here's how rest is viewed through the lens of Ayurveda:
1. Balancing Vata (Air and Ether)
Those with a predominant Vata constitution tend to have high energy but can easily become overstimulated, leading to anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. Ayurveda recommends grounding, calming activities and adequate rest to pacify Vata. Gentle yoga, mindfulness, and afternoon naps help balance their active mind and ease their natural tendency toward restlessness.
2. Cooling Down Pitta (Fire and Water)
Pitta types are driven, focused, and often perfectionists. They thrive on productivity but are prone to burnout when their fire element goes unchecked. For Pittas, rest is essential to cool down both mentally and physically. Ayurveda recommends calming practices such as meditation, restorative yoga, and spending time in nature to reduce their natural inclination towards overwork and stress.
3. Invigorating Kapha (Earth and Water)
Kapha types tend to be more relaxed and laid-back, but they can become lethargic or stuck in routines. For Kapha individuals, rest should not equate to passivity but rather purposeful relaxation to avoid stagnation. Energising activities followed by rest periods (like yoga followed by meditation) help Kaphas maintain a healthy balance between movement and stillness.
The Yogic Approach to Rest
In the yogic tradition, rest is seen as an integral part of life’s rhythm. Yoga philosophy teaches that both action (karma) and inaction (akarma) have their place in life. One of the foundational principles of yoga, the Yama Ahimsa (non-violence), applies to the self as well. To practice Ahimsa means to avoid self-harm, including overworking the body and mind to the point of exhaustion.
1. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
After an asana practice, Savasana, or the corpse pose, is a time of complete stillness and relaxation. It allows the body to integrate the benefits of the physical practice, reset the nervous system, and enter a deep state of relaxation. In modern life, incorporating a Savasana-like practice—taking deliberate pauses to reflect and recharge—can have profound effects on reducing stress and enhancing clarity of thought.
2. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga, refers to the conscious withdrawal from external distractions and stimuli. It encourages us to turn inward, creating mental rest from the constant bombardment of information, responsibilities, and pressures. In a world of endless notifications, work emails, and societal demands, practicing Pratyahara allows for true mental rest and a break from overstimulation. This could look like candle light gazing while in the bath or sitting in nature for five without a device type thing.
Why Resting is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Many people feel guilty for resting, fearing that they are being unproductive. However, rest is a necessity for maintaining long-term productivity and well-being. By ignoring the body and mind’s need for rest, we invite stress, burnout, and chronic health issues. Here are a few key reasons why resting is crucial:
1. Rest Prevents Burnout
Burnout is not just a state of being tired; it is physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. By taking regular breaks, we can prevent reaching a point where rest is no longer optional, but necessary due to illness or extreme fatigue.
2. Rest Boosts Creativity and Problem-Solving
Ever notice how some of the best ideas come when you’re in the shower or just waking up? That’s because the brain needs downtime to form new connections and insights. Rest allows for better cognitive function, creativity, and innovation.
3. Rest Promotes Longevity
Both scientific and Ayurvedic practices agree that rest is essential for long life and vitality. From reducing the risk of chronic illnesses to promoting emotional well-being, the benefits of rest are long-lasting. It allows the body to heal and the mind to clear, contributing to better quality of life.
Conclusion: Resting Without Guilt
Rest is not a sign of laziness or weakness; it is an essential part of a healthy, balanced life. Both modern science and ancient traditions like Ayurveda and yoga support the necessity of rest for optimal physical, mental, and emotional health. Embracing rest without guilt allows us to reduce stress, recover from daily life’s pressures, and approach our responsibilities with greater clarity and energy.
So next time you feel the need to rest, let go of the guilt. Trust that by resting, you are honouring both your body and your mind, setting the stage for long-term well-being and resilience. There is a yogi saying that 'Yoga doesn't take time it creates time' the same can be said for resting in whatever way you feel it as-well. REST CREATES TIME as we are more functional when we honour ourselves this in the long run anyway!
I have an amazing course that I carefully curated for you in 2025 that relates to this topic...
FEB 16th - STRESS LESS; NERVOUS SYSTEM DEEP RESET
Regulating our nervous system out of 'dis-ease' and into spaciousness and homeostasis. A journey into innate clarity.
Taming the monkey mind. Cortisol (stress hormone) reduction. Adrenal fatigue support. Levelling out anxiety and revolutionising sleep. Accessing the best version of you...
If you feel curious you can see all the workshops/info for term one listed on the welcome page of my website. ojayoga.com.au
Happy silly season all!
Namaste, Kali
Hozzászólások