Rest

It’s not a dirty word.  I promise.  In American culture long work hours, stagnant wages, political unrest, and an increase in mental health crises across our nation is taking it’s toll.  It’s literally draining just to sit and watch the news these days.  And, the depletion of our emotional energy has become a huge problem.  It strains our relationships.  It zaps our creativity.  It intrudes on our quality of sleep.  And, the list could go on.  In such a radical climate it is imperative that we get radical about rest.

I’m not going to tell you that you need more rest.  Chances are ANYONE reading this likely needs more of it.  What I am going to tell you is that you do NOT have to feel guilty for setting boundaries for the purpose of rest!  If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to a more peaceful society and make our world, our America great again I’d say…get some rest!  That’s not something you hear everyday right?  But, think about it.

When we rest life changing things happen.  And, perhaps rest, rather than harder work is the key to your best life.  When we rest inflammation in our bodies decrease.  I’d encourage you to check into something called, “C-reactive protein.”  While it is a nonspecific blood test there are a plethora of studies that implicate high C-reactive protein levels with brain inflammation, Alzheimer’s, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, sleep disorders, heart disease and anxiety disorders.  But, because it is nonspecific and doesn’t really lead to diagnoses of any kind it isn’t usually discussed.

So, how do we get radical?  Number one…we start saying, “no.”  It really is that simple.  It is okay to decline activities that you really don’t have time for or really don’t want to attend in the first place.  When I first began doing this I would often decline for reasons other than why I wouldn’t be participating in the first place.  Namely, rest!  There was this huge part of me that felt so guilty.  I felt that I would be perceived as lazy or selfish and that fear was crippling for me.  But, the victory over that would come later and is something I am now experiencing. Yet, even in the awkwardness of the beginning of saying, “no”  I had at least begun the journey.  Yes, I was still cringing and fawning but by golly I was getting some much needed sleep as well!  The empowering realization of understanding that we do not owe anyone an explanation for our saying, “no” is one I would recommend everyone embracing.  It is so freeing.  Trust me on this.  And, more often than not…people will respect that.  Believe it or not respect is the cornerstone of restoration.

It is through the lack of respect for our bodies and minds that we begin to deplete our internal resources.  Are you disrespecting yourself?  Did you realize that was even a thing?  I surely did not.  But, since I have it’s been a game changer.  I now get to be present, fully present in all the situations I say, “yes” to.

So, as we move through our weeks and live for the weekends know that you have permission to rest.  And, if you’re not comfortable declining all the busy-ness that your weekend may try to bring you and you feel the need to offer a reason to stay in…feel free to blame it on this blog!  You can totally have plans with “The Catalyst.”

Love and light,

Cozett

 

Photography credit: Marta Bevacqua