EP 19: Rest and the Art of Doing Nothing

Rest and the Art of Doing Nothing

In a world where we’re always switched on and tuned in, rest has become a lost art, often neglected and underestimated. Yet, the practice of true rest is more essential now than ever before. 

In this episode, we delve into the importance of rest, including

• The unseen cultural forces that have reframed rest into something undesirable

• The varied types of rest your body and mind genuinely need

• Practical steps to reclaim rest as a radical and restorative act
  
  

The Misunderstanding of Rest

Rest is often misconstrued as laziness, a notion deeply ingrained in our culture of constant busyness. 

Many of us feel compelled to declare ourselves "busy" when asked how we are, equating nonstop activity with success. But rest is not the absence of doing. It's a biological necessity and an act of healing.

Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith, a prominent physician and researcher, beautifully outlines seven distinct forms of rest: physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual. 

These categories go beyond mere sleep, illustrating how diverse and textured rest truly is. Most of us unconsciously focus on only a couple of these areas, often neglecting others and, consequently, our holistic well-being.

Biology Meets Rest

Physiologically, rest triggers the parasympathetic state where vital repair processes occur. 

During rest, inflammatory markers decrease, cortisol drops, and cellular repair takes place, particularly during deep sleep. This biological renewal cannot happen alongside chronic stress, which keeps the body in a survival mode, suppressing restorative functions.

Our bodies, quite simply, cannot heal in a perpetual state of alertness. By consciously choosing rest - unapologetically and deliberately - we disrupt the cultural narrative that equates worth with productivity. 

Cultivating Restful Practices

Rest is not an optimisation goal but a practice. It is a state of being that you must learn to trust and cultivate. 

Start by observing your resistance to rest. Does anxiety, guilt, or a to-do list suddenly flood your mind when you try to slow down? These reactions are evidence of how deeply the productivity culture has infiltrated your nervous system.

Small, intentional acts can usher in the presence of rest:

• Spend five minutes basking in sunlight without distraction.

• Revere sleep as a sacred, rather than perfect, pursuit.

• Give yourself permission to rest without justification or the need to "earn" it.

Redefining the Culture of Rest

Reimagining our relationship with rest is an act of self-respect. Rest needs to be rooted in daily practice, be it through mindful presence, engaging in creative activities, or simply allowing oneself to be without any external expectations. 

I hope this conversation sparks something meaningful in your healing journey. Please feel free to reach out to me at apothecarybyanthea.com or on social media 

Highlights

• 01:15 Why Rest Feels Hard

• 02:46 Seven Types of Rest

• 05:38 Rest and Body Repair

• 07:22 Stress, Cortisol, and Healing

• 08:27 Rest as Resistance

• 09:34 How to Practice Rest

• 11:08 Closing and Where to Connect
  
  

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

• Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith https://www.drdaltonsmith.com/