The Wisdom of Rest

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer.”-Leonardo DaVinciIt’s not a secret to most of us that rest is required for our bodies to recharge and rebuild. Most spiritual philosophies also stress the importance of rest for our souls. And yet, when you ask most people, they will admit that it is difficult to find time to unwind with all the pressures and commitments we face in everyday life. Resting doesn't necessarily mean lying in bed all day. It means slowing down from your usual pace.Joshua Becker for Becoming minimalist lists the following benefits of taking one day a week for yourself:Deeper relationshipsA day set aside each week for rest allows relationships with people to deepen and be strengthened. When we aren’t rushing off to work or soccer practice, we are able to enjoy each other’s company and a healthy conversation. And long talks prove to be far more effective in building community than short ones on the ride to the mall.Opportunity for reflectionSometimes it is hard to see the forest through the trees. It is even more difficult to see the forest when we are running through the trees. Concentrated rest allows us to take a step back, to evaluate our lives, to identify our values, and determine if our life is being lived for them.BalanceTaking one day of your week and dedicating it to rest will force you to have an identity outside of your occupation. It will foster relationships outside of your fellow employees. It will foster activities and hobbies outside work. It will give life and identity outside of your Monday-Friday occupation. Rather than defining your life by what you do, you can begin to define it by who you are.Increased production Just like resting physical muscles allows them opportunity to rejuvenate which leads to greater physical success, providing our minds with rest provides it opportunity to refocus and rejuvenate. More work is not better work. Smarter work is better work.Reserve for life’s emergencies Crisis hits everyone. Nobody who is alive is immune from the trials of life. By starting the discipline today of concentrated rest, you will build up reserves for when the unexpected emergencies of life strike and rest is no longer an option.Remember, you don’t have to justify what you do to anyone on your day off, including yourself. Turn your devices to silent and find what nourishes your soul, practicing it without restraint. Plan your rest by keeping your calendar free of appointments on certain days and make yourself a scheduled priority. With a little time, you will see your life and health begin to change for the better.Full article: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/resting/?utm_sq=ffehvj9qpc&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=The+Art+of+Simple&utm_content=Other+Articles