Doing nothing is not rest, it’s exhaustion! Rest is essential. We’re talking about sabbatical rest (one day a week), but also earth rest (once every seven seasons). The latter is a good example of why rest is essential. In agriculture, we need to rest the land for two reasons:
- Destroy herbs
- Loosen the soil
Rest is essential because it allows us to get rid of weeds (we don’t specify good or bad because pruning, for example, also involves getting rid of good shoots that get in the way of growth) and loosen the soil, which means making it looser, lighter and more receptive to seedlings.
In the same way, we need both these actions in our rest periods. Some people take the time to clear the weeds without necessarily taking the time to loosen the soil. Others do the opposite. But without this combination, the result is the same: inefficient rest. “Doing nothing”, or the “Constant Chill Mode” apparently very popular today, is not a form of rest but a form of exhaustion. To rest properly, we need to stop our daily routine, of course, but only for a moment. Stopping is necessary, yes, because it allows us to lower the pressure and prepare ourselves, to disconnect, to rest. It’s not rest in itself. Rest will then be provided by elements of relaxation, recreation and restoration.
Rest is an intentional process, essential to our relational, emotional and spiritual well-being. That’s why it’s so important to make it a priority on our agenda. Here are 3 essential actions for resting well:
- Plan your vacations and rest for the coming year and make them a priority. This will inspire motivation and perseverance;
- Observe and note activities that relax you, others that distract you and still others that restore you and integrate them into these moments of vacation and rest;
- Enjoy yourself and stay focused on your vacation. Make sure you protect yourself so that nothing can interfere with this priority. You have the right to rest, so make the most of these moments and let go of everything else!
