When your calendar’s already full to the brim before the week begins, it can be all too easy to push the idea of rest and relaxation onto the back-burner. Before we know it, weeks have gone by, and we’re in a constant cycle of telling yourself ‘I’ll take some time out when things calm down.’

If this sounds familiar, this is your gentle invitation to consider how much this cycle may be costing you. Without time and space to truly engage in rest, your overall health and wellness can quickly become at risk.

Here’s how rest and relaxation practices work to enhance your overall wellness, alongside a few simple ways you can make time for yourself in the midst of even the busiest of weeks.

The relationship between rest and wellness

The first idea we need to make peace with when considering how rest and relaxation are a crucial part of our wellness practice is this: rest is not the opposite of productivity. In fact, true, restorative rest is what supports our brains and bodies to continue to meet the demands of every day without risking a run-in with burn-out.

When we enter a restorative state, our parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This is commonly referred to as ‘rest and digest’ mode. It’s in this state that our bodies are better positioned to undergo cellular repair, process complex emotions, and provide crucial support for a well-functioning immune system.

Without enough of this kind of rest, we run the risk of falling into – and remaining in – a stress-response cycle. Over time, this can significantly contribute to increased fatigue, anxiety, inflammation, problems with sleep and burn-out.

Why relaxing can help us to live at our best capacity

Are you looking to give your best each day? Then it’s time to learn how to truly relax. The better we get at slowing down, the more we’re able to build sustainability into our days and years.

Relaxation practices can support our health and wellness by:

• Lowering cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Improving our sleep quality and energy levels
• Supporting our digestive and metabolic health
• Improving mental clarity
• Enhancing emotional regulation

By prioritising relaxation in your weekly schedule, you can support your body with the tools it needs to continue to resource itself. In turn, you’ll be better supported to turn up to meet the challenges of each day from a place of peace, not a place of overwhelm.

Simple practices to support deep rest

Getting the rest you need doesn’t have to be complicated. You can support your wellness through:

• Spending time in an infrared sauna session to unwind and detox at the same time
• Relax during a red light therapy session
• Spend 20 minutes in the sunshine with a favourite book
• Phone a friend while going for a walk

Conclusion

One of the most powerful habits you can incorporate into your wellness routine is regular rest and relaxation. By incorporating this time into your week with intention, you can show care for your body, your brain, and your overall emotional wellbeing.

At ReGen Wellness in Melbourne, we’re here to support your sustainable rest and relaxation through our thoughtfully designed longevity and recovery treatments. Find the rest you need at our science-driven centre and leave refreshed, ready for the week to come.