Planning Rest As A Priority

Planning Rest As A Priority

Introduction

In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest. Planning rest as a priority means intentionally setting aside time to relax and recharge. This simple practice can have a meaningful impact on your everyday wellbeing.

When we don’t give ourselves permission to rest, stress can build up, making it harder to focus, feel calm, and enjoy daily activities. By making rest a planned part of your routine, you support both your body and mind.

Rest doesn’t always mean doing nothing. It can include gentle activities that help you unwind, such as:

• Taking a short walk outdoors
• Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness
• Listening to calming music
• Reading a favourite book
• Enjoying a warm bath or quiet moment

Recognizing rest as a priority encourages a balanced approach to life. It helps you manage everyday stress and fosters a sense of calm and resilience. Remember, rest is not a luxury but a valuable part of self-care that supports your overall health.

Reviewed by SASI Stress & Mindfulness Editorial Board.

What stress is and how it shows up

Stress is a natural response to the demands and challenges we face in daily life. It can come from work, relationships, or unexpected changes. While a little stress can help us stay alert and focused, too much can feel overwhelming.

Stress often shows up in different ways, including physical, emotional, and behavioural signs. Recognizing these can help you take steps to manage stress before it builds up.

Common signs of stress

• Physical: headaches, muscle tension, feeling tired, or trouble sleeping.
• Emotional: feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed.
• Behavioural: changes in appetite, withdrawing from social activities, or difficulty concentrating.

One helpful approach to managing stress is planning rest as a priority. This means intentionally setting aside time to relax and recharge, rather than waiting until you feel exhausted. Simple activities like taking a short walk, practising deep breathing, or enjoying a quiet moment can make a difference.

Remember, noticing how stress shows up for you is the first step toward finding balance and supporting your well-being in everyday life.

Everyday sources of stress

Stress is a normal part of daily life, often arising from common situations that many people experience. Recognizing these everyday sources of stress can help you manage them more effectively and support your wellbeing.

Work and family demands

Balancing job responsibilities with family life can create pressure. Deadlines, meetings, and household tasks may feel overwhelming at times.

Financial concerns

Money matters, such as budgeting, bills, and unexpected expenses, often contribute to stress. It’s natural to feel uneasy when finances are tight or uncertain.

Health and wellness

Managing personal health or caring for others can be challenging. Even minor health issues or changes in routine can add to daily stress.

Digital overload

Constant notifications, emails, and social media updates can make it hard to disconnect and relax. This digital noise may increase feelings of stress.

Life transitions

Changes like moving, starting a new job, or adjusting to different family dynamics can bring uncertainty and stress.

One helpful approach is planning rest as a priority. Setting aside time to pause and recharge supports resilience and helps manage these everyday stressors more calmly.

Healthy ways to respond to stress

Stress is a common part of daily life, and finding healthy ways to respond can make a big difference in how you feel. One helpful approach is planning rest as a priority. Taking time to rest isn’t just about stopping activity; it’s about giving your mind and body a chance to recharge.

Here are some practical strategies to consider:

• Set aside regular breaks: Short pauses during your day can help clear your mind and reduce tension.
• Practice mindful breathing: Simple breathing exercises can bring calm and focus when you feel overwhelmed.
• Engage in gentle movement: Activities like walking or stretching can ease physical stress and improve mood.
• Create a restful environment: Dim lighting, comfortable seating, and quiet spaces support relaxation.
• Limit screen time: Taking breaks from devices can reduce mental clutter and promote better sleep.

Remember, responding to stress with kindness toward yourself is important. Small, consistent steps like planning rest as a priority can help you feel more balanced and resilient over time.

Mindfulness and being present

Mindfulness is the simple practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It invites us to notice our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings as they are, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future.

When we focus on the here and now, we often find a sense of calm and clarity. This can be especially helpful when life feels busy or overwhelming. Mindfulness encourages us to slow down and appreciate small moments, which supports overall wellbeing.

One way to bring mindfulness into daily life is by planning rest as a priority. Setting aside time to pause and recharge helps us stay balanced and better able to handle stress.

Here are some simple mindfulness ideas to try:

• Take a few deep breaths, noticing the sensation of air entering and leaving your body.
• Focus on the sounds around you, whether it’s birds, traffic, or quiet.
• Pay attention to the taste and texture of your food during a meal.
• Go for a slow walk, observing the colours and shapes in your environment.
• Set a gentle reminder to pause and check in with yourself throughout the day.

By practising mindfulness regularly, you can create space for rest and presence, helping to support a calmer, clearer mind.

Simple mindfulness and grounding practices

Taking time for yourself can feel challenging, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming. One helpful approach is planning rest as a priority. This means intentionally setting aside moments to pause and recharge, which supports your overall well-being.

Here are some gentle mindfulness and grounding practices you might find useful:

• Deep breathing: Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale through your mouth for four. Repeat a few times to help calm your mind.
• Body scan: Sit or lie down comfortably and bring your attention to different parts of your body, noticing any sensations without judgment.
• Mindful walking: Walk slowly and focus on the feeling of your feet touching the ground, the rhythm of your steps, and the environment around you.
• Five senses grounding: Pause and name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.

These simple practices can be done anywhere and only take a few minutes. By planning rest as a priority, you create space to reconnect with yourself and find calm in everyday moments.

Building supportive routines

Planning rest as a priority can make a meaningful difference in managing everyday stress. Creating supportive routines helps balance the demands of daily life while nurturing your well-being.

Consider these simple habits to include in your routine:

• Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep patterns by going to bed and waking up at similar times each day. Quality rest supports both body and mind.
• Movement: Gentle physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can boost mood and reduce tension.
• Breaks: Taking short, regular breaks during work or chores helps refresh your focus and energy.
• Connection: Spending time with friends, family, or community groups fosters a sense of belonging and support.
• Boundaries: Setting limits on work hours or screen time protects your personal space and reduces overwhelm.
• Hobbies: Engaging in enjoyable activities offers relaxation and a creative outlet.

Building these routines gradually allows you to find what feels manageable and meaningful. Remember, small steps can lead to lasting benefits when planning rest as a priority in your life.

When to seek professional support

Taking care of your mental and emotional health is important, especially when everyday stress feels overwhelming. While many people find relief through self-care and mindfulness, there are times when extra support from a health professional can be helpful.

Planning rest as a priority is a valuable step, but if you notice persistent challenges, it might be time to consider reaching out. Some signs that professional support could be beneficial include:

• Feeling consistently tired despite getting rest
• Difficulty managing daily tasks or responsibilities
• Experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness, worry, or irritability
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Withdrawing from social activities or relationships
• Using substances more often to cope with stress

Remember, seeking help is a positive step towards well-being. Health professionals can offer guidance tailored to your needs and support you in developing effective coping strategies.

In the meantime, continue to prioritise rest and simple mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or gentle stretching, to support your overall balance and calm.

Summary

Planning rest as a priority is a simple yet powerful way to support your overall wellbeing. Life can feel busy and overwhelming at times, but taking small steps to include rest in your routine helps manage everyday stress and promotes balance.

Remember, rest doesn’t always mean doing nothing. It can be gentle activities like reading, going for a short walk, or practising mindful breathing. These moments allow your mind and body to recharge, making it easier to cope with daily challenges.

Being kind to yourself during these times is important. It’s okay to slow down and listen to what you need. Rest is not a luxury but a necessary part of self-care.

If you find it difficult to prioritise rest, consider these simple ideas:

• Set aside a few minutes each day for a calming activity.
• Create a restful environment by reducing noise or dimming lights.
• Use reminders to pause and take deep breaths throughout your day.
• Share your feelings with someone you trust when you need support.

Taking these small steps can make a meaningful difference. Embracing rest as a priority helps you feel more centred and better equipped to face life’s ups and downs.

Additional Resources

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Resources on mental health and stress management.
• Health Canada – Mental Health – Information on mental health and wellness.
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress – Global perspective on stress and health.
• Mindful.org – Practical mindfulness tips and exercises.
• Here to Help (British Columbia) – Mental health and substance use information and resources.

Disclaimer: This article offers general information about stress and mindfulness and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling or feel unsafe, please contact a health professional or local emergency services.