Self-imposed pressure is one of the most significant challenges that confront true relaxation. Even though we may be lying in bed or trying to watch our favorite show, our minds might still be in go mode. When our cortisol levels remain high, our body is not truly in a state of relaxation – even though it may appear to be. That’s why it’s important to practice mindfulness on your self-care journey because relaxation is much more than a physical act.
Relaxing is like charging a battery.
No, we are not machines with a batter, but according to a 2019 study,“1 in 3 Americans feel bad about taking time for themselves, even though 67 percent desperately want morebattery,
And unfortunately, guilt, a negative emotion, can trigger cortisol and prevent the body from being in a true state of relaxation. However, if we think of our body as having a battery that needs charging, it may help us understand that everything needs to be replenished to work.
You can even use this to check in with yourself to see how we feel — 20%, 50%, 90%? Whatever you come out with, you'll know if you need to continue resting and feel justified about it, or you can decide whether you can healthily resume your tasks. No, rest does not need a justification, but this is just a quick mindfulness tool if you're challenged with feelings of guilt around relaxation.
Consistency is important for health but so is Intuition.
If you go to the gym 5 times a week, or you make sure to do 5 hours of deep work so you can cook a healthy meal by 7 pm, this is good. But, it also helps to listen to your body. If you need a nap instead of the gym, that is okay too. Rule setting for health regimens can be a slippery slope because if we don't meet one, we can struggle with guilt. Yes, it's good to be consistent and to set expectations for yourself, but if you need a break after 2.5 hours of deep work, that is okay.
If your nap leads you to pick something up at a restaurant you like, that is okay too. The important thing is to remember that these are expectations, not rules that are worthy of reproach if broken.
Your body's voice is important.
It's important to consider how many times a week we silence our bodies' hunger, sleep, and “need for connection” cues. As mentioned before, that voice or urge we get to take action about physical discomfort is your body's intuition. The body is the fundamental basis of instinct, and without instincts, we could not preserve ourselves. So, remember that relaxation and rest is self-preservation. Restingisan action.
Cover photo cred: Melanin Base Camp