Adequate Rest

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There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.

Homer / Greek epic poet, author / est. eighth century BC

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In tending to the needs of your body and mind, it’s imperative to get sufficient rest each day. This is a simple yet often overlooked practice in modern society. This can include resting after a workout, relaxing after a stressful event, and maintaining an appropriate sleep schedule, among other things. Many of us can function with just a few hours of sleep each night, but if you want to be your best in terms of performance and also do what you can for your health, then on average, you should be resting around eight hours a night. This varies by individual to some degree, but if you sleep much less than that and find yourself tired, distracted, or stressed, then you’re doing yourself more harm than good despite the extra time you have. Also, if you work nights and sleep during the days, it would be most helpful to find a job that offers different hours because you need frequent sunlight and a more regular schedule.

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To improve your ability to rest and to obtain a higher quality of rest, it helps to add structure to your life. Our bodies thrive on routine, so try to be consistent with rest. In addition to good nutrition and regular exercise, adhere to a schedule in which you sleep, wake, and eat at regular times each day. Doing so will reduce stress on your body and provide the energy you need to meet the challenges that arise each day. It will also strengthen your immune system and delay the onset of aging. Finally, strive to practice relaxation in order to facilitate the process of resting. As you know, attempting to sleep when you’re mentally distracted, emotionally distraught, or physically pained can be difficult; therefore, leverage your natural abilities to relax prior to resting. Practices such as breathe-work, stretching, yoga, meditation, positive affirmations, and visualization can do wonders for your mind and body, which in turn will allow you to rest more soundly and recuperate more quickly.

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