The Art of Resting: How to Enjoy Your Summer Guilt Free?

Summer is finally here, and for many of us, that means a well-deserved break from the daily grind. While vacations and time off provide an opportunity to relax and recharge, we often find ourselves feeling guilty for taking a pause. Society has instilled in us the notion that productivity should be constant, leaving little room for rest and self-care. However, embracing the art of resting can have profound benefits for our mental health. Let's explore how you can fully enjoy your summer break guilt-free and return feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges !

• Redefine Rest

To truly embrace the art of resting, it's important to redefine what it means for you. Resting doesn't necessarily mean lounging around doing nothing; it's about engaging in activities that bring you joy, peace, and relaxation. It could be pursuing a hobby, spending quality time with loved ones, exploring nature, or simply indulging in some self-care. Give yourself permission to disconnect from work and responsibilities, and prioritize activities that recharge your mind and body.

• Set Boundaries

Before you embark on your summer break, set clear boundaries for yourself. Inform your colleagues, clients, or staff about your time off and let them know that you will not be available during that period. Remember, it's essential to detach yourself from work and other obligations to fully immerse in the restorative power of your break. Establishing boundaries will help alleviate your feeling of guilt and will enable you to enjoy your time off without feeling the weight of responsibilities.

• Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to enhance and improve your rest. Engaging in mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep breathing or nature walks can help quiet your mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. When you consciously focus on the present moment, you allow yourself to fully enjoy your summer break. Put your mobile phone or laptop away and embrace the beauty of the sights, sounds, and sensations around you, savouring each experience with a renewed sense of appreciation.

• Disconnect from Technology

In our digitally connected world, it's easy to get caught up in the constant stream of notifications, emails, and social media updates. To truly enjoy your summer break, consider disconnecting from technology for a significant portion of your time off. Create tech-free zones or specific times of the day when you don't engage with screens. Unplugging allows you to cultivate deeper connections with yourself and those around you, fostering a greater sense of relaxation and fulfilment.

• Embrace Self-Care

Summer break is an ideal time to prioritize self-care and pamper yourself. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Practice self-compassion and give yourself permission to rest and relax without judgment. Whether it's sleeping, taking a walk, indulging in a good book, getting a massage, or enjoying a leisurely day at the beach, make self-care a your top priority! By replenishing your energy and caring for yourself, you'll return from your break feeling revitalized. Ok, but you might ask: How does practising these benefit me and my mental health? Here are some facts: 1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety - When we continuously push ourselves without taking breaks, our stress levels skyrocket, leading to burnout and a decline in mental well-being. By intentionally carving out time for rest during your summer break, you give your nervous system a chance to reset, reducing your stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm.

2. Enhanced Creativity and Productivity - Contrary to popular belief, constant busyness doesn't equate to increased productivity. When we give ourselves the space to rest and recharge, our creativity flourishes, and our productivity improves. Taking a break from our usual routines and responsibilities provides an opportunity for our minds to wander, explore new ideas, and make connections that we might not have considered before.

3. Improved Cognitive Function - When we're constantly on the go, our brains can become overwhelmed, leading to decreased focus, memory lapses, and reduced mental clarity. Studies have shown that taking breaks and engaging in activities that promote relaxation can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and boost overall mental performance. Is clarity of thinking important to you? If so, don't feel guilty about taking that afternoon nap or spending time engaged in a favourite hobby – it's a valuable investment.

4. Strengthened Relationships - Being constantly preoccupied with work and obligations, we often neglect the people who matter most to us. By taking the time to rest and fully engage in quality time with loved ones during your summer break, you strengthen those bonds and create lasting memories. Meaningful connections with others contribute to our overall happiness and provide a support system during both good and challenging times.

5. Increased Self-Awareness and Reflection - When we pause and step away from our daily routines, we gain perspective on our lives, goals, and values. We have the chance to assess what is truly important to us, evaluate our current paths, lessons learnt and make necessary adjustments. This process of self-reflection is vital for personal growth, self-acceptance, and living a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Embracing the art of resting during your summer break is not only a pleasurable experience but also a powerful investment in your mental health! By reducing stress, enhancing creativity, improving cognitive function, strengthening relationships, and fostering self-awareness, quality rest allows you to return from your break feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and ready to face new challenges. So, give yourself permission to enjoy guilt-free rest and relaxation, and savour the transformative benefits it brings to your mental well-being. Remember, rest is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining good mental health.