Side quest real talk.
This isn’t said enough. What if we don’t find rest and relaxation very restful and relaxing?
What if even on a break it feels easier to stay busy in every way because rest feels crappy?
You’re not the only one!
Modern life means our nervous system can get used to running on a tabs all open and a survival response.
It doesn’t indicate you’ve had major trauma, or that you’re broken. It does mean you’re human with multiple demands on your time, energy and attention.
Here are two simple reset practices that can ease us into being that bit more ok with rest so we get more of the respite we need.
✨ Orienting
This one reminds your inner bouncer / bodyguard that you’re safe.
- Scan your environment. Track the door and your way to it.
- If there’s a window look out to the distance, then the midpoint, and then into the room.
- Look around the room. Move your neck gently and freely to take in the walls, ceiling, big features.
- Now scan for the details. The smaller objects. The minutiae.
- Breathe deeply. In this moment I am safe.
Like everything when you do this practice more often it feels more familiar and automatic.
✨ Get outside and listen to birds
This one works automatically because birdsong is nature’s safety signal to our systems. It’s a cue that says “it’s ok to take a moment” and it is hardwired into us.
Play around with those two and notice what you notice.
Pressing pause can be in small moments. It’s not about an idealised version of floating around on a pink fluffy cloud.
