This has been a weekend of rest for me. It was totally unintentional, but absolutely necessary. I am one of the blessed few that has a body that likes to tell me when I have done enough. It is one of the perks of having Multiple Sclerosis. Last week was a very busy week for my family, although I couldn’t begin to tell you why, but by Thursday, I suspicioned that I would be doing a lot of resting over the weekend. By Friday evening, it was glaringly obvious that that was exactly how my weekend was going to go.
It got me thinking about all the times that I refused to rest even when my body was screaming for a break and how important it is for all of us, young and old, sick or not, to make sure we take the time to rest. So, since it has been on my mind, I decided to write a list of why our bodies need rest, after doing a little research because what else am I going to do while hunkered down in a chair. 😉
First off, let’s talk about the dangers of your body not getting the rest that it needs. We all know the obvious ones, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, mood swings (tell me it’s not just me), and struggling to maintain your normal productivity and performance. However, did you know that according to research, it can also increase your chance of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression and anxiety plus decrease your overall immune system? It can! Lack of rest can, also, mess with your balance and your libido and can cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite, according to healthline.com. The massive chaos that a lack of rest can cause for a person is a very long list, these are just a few of the things that I found.
Here is why we need to rest when our bodies tell us to do so. Rest allows our mind and body to relax, recharge, and reenergize. Who doesn’t want that? I know I do! Rest decreases our stress levels and increases our productivity. Rest is absolutely essential for our mental health. When my kids are having a rough day, I often suggest a nap because I know there is a good chance that their moods are linked to a lack of sleep and their bodies just need to rest a little more.
I know that a lot of this seems like regurgitated information, but I also know how difficult it can be to rest as an adult. As I stated earlier, I do consider myself blessed to be one of the ones that have a body that forces relaxation. However, I do believe that it was my lack of willingness to rest in the first place that landed me in this situation. When I was diagnosed with MS, I was a young mom with a toddler and a preschooler. I was working full time and a half and trying to keep up with all of the housework, meals, and everything else that came with home life. When my body decided that enough was enough, it spoke to me LOUDLY and I spent days in the hospital not able to walk, crying because I was terrified of the unknown. I don’t want that for anyone. So, if I can share about the importance of self-care, the importance of adding fun into your life, or the importance of rest, and maybe save someone from the frustration and heartache I went through, then it will all be worth it.
Do NOT wait until your body forces you to rest to take the time to rest in the way that your body needs. I know it can be a difficult thing to do, but I am a firm believer that if you do not start listening to your body, it will start making you listen one way or another.
Having said all of that, it is currently Sunday evening, around 10 pm, and after a long weekend of doing absolutely nothing, I am exhausted and ready for bed. So, I am going to cut this short, bid you a good night (technically, morning by the time it is posted and you might read it), and ask that you make sure to take the time to listen to your own body and rest when rest is needed.
Fresh of Breath Air 