REST! Are you?

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Rest. Do you rest? We are all so busy. I mean look at James and I we are both full time students, we have two monkeys (children), we are both training for triathlons, James is getting additional training outside of school in a chiropractic office, we have friends and family to connect with, I am getting my life coaching going and have some really awesome clients. All of these things take time and sooo much energy. Sometimes I get going so fast that I have no clue all that I have accomplished or neglected until someone slows me down, like yesterday.

When it comes to being in the best shape of your life rest is crucial. I am not good at it. I mean I do go to bed early most nights, but when I am awake I am like the energizer bunny (but thank God I am not that ugly shade of pink….yeck.)

James had to have an intervention with me yesterday. I had not realized that I had gone 8 days without taking a day off of exercising. This intervention conveniently came the day after one of the most intense workouts I have done in a long time. I was so sore yesterday that a day off was much needed. James stressed that I needed some rest. Here’s what I did with my day:

Got my chiropractic adjustment

Bought some Father’s Day gifts

Had lunch by myself at a Mediterranean restaurant I had been wanting to try (I love going to restaurants by myself every now and then)

Came home and laid in the bed for an hour and a half (never quite fell asleep)

Posted a blog

Went to my last class of the quarter (psychology of motivation and emotion, which was a great class)

Came home and worked on some life coaching stuff with James

This is about 2957935723 times more restful than my normal routine. The funny thing is that I had to fight the urge to do ab exercises ALL day long. Addicted much? Ha. I mean, I seriously had to tell myself over and over “Your body needs rest, I know you want to do C-curve ab exercises or planks or scissor kicks, BUT your body needs to rest.”

Exercise is so important but if you do not take a day once a week to rest your body is going to get worn out. Your muscles need time to recover. You may also be more prone to injury if you do not take a break. Now, don’t get me wrong. If you want to see a change in your physical appearance and fitness level you need to exercise at least 5 times a week and HARD. Remember….uncommon effort= uncommon results. So, go for it. Just remember the importance of rest.

What do you do to intentionally rest on your days off of exercise, school, and or work??? Don’t have a chance to rest? What would be your ideal way to relax?