Health and Wellness

Retire healthy: The importance of good rest

For complete physical health, we must remember to take some time out of our busy days to slow down and allow our bodies and minds to rejuvenate. This can be as simple as closing our eyes and listening to the grandchildren playing outside or watching the trees fly by when taking public transport.

Rest can be defined as a minimal functional and metabolic activity or being free from activity or labor. It can also include the amount of sleep one gets per night or the peace of mind and spirit one experiences while awake.

Rest is just being able to be free from the stresses and business of the day and to take time to enjoy peace and relaxation. This will look different for everyone but you should feel that your mind is clear and your body has had a break.

Sleep to rest

Getting enough sleep also plays an important role in our physical health and can be part of resting our bodies and minds. It allows the body to be refreshed and think clearly day-to-day and function at its optimum. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average adult sleeps less than 7 hours per night. Some people would be lucky to get 6-7 hours of sleep a night given the busy lives we lead but it could lead to a situation if chronic sleep deprivation. You may function adequately on 7 hours of sleep a night but there is a big difference between how much sleep we get and how much we require to function to the best of our ability and to be physically healthy.

How can we tell if we are getting enough sleep? The best way to figure out if you’re meeting your sleep needs is to evaluate how you feel as you go about your day. If you’re getting enough sleep, you would feel energetic and alert all day long, from the moment you wake up until your regular bedtime.

Comments

  1. The Wealthy Canadian

    Getting rest is equivalent to recharging the batteries IMO.

    I also find that exercising tends to ‘re-fuel’ my day. For example, if I’m feeling tired and head to the gym for a quick workout, I often leave feeling rejuvenated for the remainder of the day.

    I think mood also plays a factor in determining tiredness. It’s easier to loose your cool as well as patience if you’re not getting enough sleep.

    Nice post!

  2. Janett Brown

    A short nap everyday is really good for your health. You don’t need to start snoring to have a nap. All you need is to close your eyes even for 30 minutes. And believe me, you are gonna feel great after.

  3. Hunter Dickson

    As much as I intend to rest, I find myself getting distracted with other things to do.

    So, I find taking 5 minutes to be quiet and alone (sometimes it’s in a bathroom stall) get’s me back on track.

    Thanks for the reminder of exercise and rest.

  4. My chiropractor

    When I left the hospital last year to begin recovering from meningitis, my doctor (everyone needs a doctor….even this doctor) said – “Guard your sleep-cycle jealously”….Ive made it a habit of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Rest is foundational to good health.

  5. Parker

    Probably just as important than sleep is regular exercise and it will have a side benefit of sleeping better as well as eating better

  6. Mariana Grinblat, M.Sc., M. Eng.

    tx for the info, MG

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