What's so difficult about lying down on a sunbed during your vacation, taking a book in your hand and just immerse yourself in reading?

Or just lie down on the grass, close your eyes and drift away into silence?
Throw on a backpack with provisions and a rain jacket and go on the trail? Focus on the route and direct your senses to everything that is happening around?

Or maybe just do NOTHING?

How did it happen that we are so easily drawn into the reel of work, home, responsibilities... And instead of enjoying freedom, we sabotage it in so many ways.
And yes, we are aware of these situations, but controlling them and finding distance requires a lot of effort again and again.
That is why I invite you today to sit down for a moment and together with me, over this text, think about how to save your peace during the holidays. Even if it's still, or it's not the time of your vacation.

What is rest?

According to the Dictionary of the Polish Language, rest is a break in some effort to gain strength. It is also "the time spent on getting rid of exhaustion, usually by doing what gives you pleasure." Exactly. Pleasure.

Why is rest so important?

Not so important, but even necessary for healthy functioning! Thanks to rest, we begin to deal with tiredness not only physically, but also mentally. We begin to find a balance in ourselves, without which in the daily rush we can simply lose strength and have no space for even the smallest effort.
Rest is also a time that we can spend with our loved ones. But what is very important, it is a time when we can meet ourselves. This meeting is as important as it is underestimated. It is a moment in HERE and NOW. I don't need anything, I can do everything.

Or maybe holidays?

Many of us try to organize a trip for ourselves and/or for our loved ones at least once a year. We are in the middle of preparations. We are nervous that we will forget about something. We often leave in an atmosphere of tension, even in conflict with the household members. During the trip, we are the guardians of order (because who else would take care of it), perhaps many of us feel obliged to provide entertainment to the other participants of the trip. Often our thoughts return to professional matters - "Do they manage without me in the company", "How did this case that I left to solve ended?". What for? Why? Why are you doing this to yourself? Are you aware that this is your choice? That it is also up to you how you will spend your time during the trip?

When demons and remorse wake up

And here, probably, many of us catch ourselves with the fact that there are a whole lot of denials in our heads that it is worth spending time on real, effective rest. Don't we feel that no one can do many things better than ourselves? On the other hand, we often don't want to burden others with our responsibilities and even if we come hell or high water and stay up all night, we would consistently implement the previously established professional and personal plan. No matter what. To the end and with our own strength.

What to do to rest effectively?

Deep down, however, you know perfectly well that, firstly, you need such rest, and secondly, it is possible. You just have to make a habit of it and consciously work on it. Perhaps one of the following tips will help you?

☀️ start by searching for what form of rest you enjoy. Maybe it's a nap, maybe reading or listening to music. Or maybe a walk or more intense physical activity? Try, test and observe how your body and mind react to these activities. Are there moments when you forget yourself and lose track of time? If so, then it is very possible that thanks to this activity you have a chance for a good rest.

☀️ despite figuring out what gives you special pleasure, your thoughts may still revolve around work and responsibilities. It's natural, especially when you haven't allowed yourself to relax for a very long time. There's no point in getting upset and fighting them. A completely different effect will come from accepting them and watching your body what happens to it during a surge of remorse. If they bother you a lot, then do whatever task you know you'll have to do later anyway. However, try to go back to rest immediately after this activity and extend this moment. Certainly, with each subsequent attempt, it will be easier for you to relax.

☀️ choose this time to rest when you have completed most of the mandatory tasks. You won't have to step back when you suddenly remember something.

☀️ if you are part of a family or group with whom you share your life, set rules with others when you need to rest. It is very possible that someone will want to join you and such rest will be a joy for both, you and the other person.

☀️ cut yourself off from social media, radio, television and, if possible, from the phone altogether. Sitting and scrolling the screen can give you the illusion of rest. It is because when attention is directed to strings of endless information, our brain has no chance to switch off and effectively relax.

☀️ leave! Plan your vacation and take all the above tips into account. Finish all work and personal tasks before you leave (and even if you don't, the world won't suddenly stop ;). Try not to take your laptop, although if it's more comfortable for you, pack it and have it handy. However, allow yourself a few days of forgetfulness, cutting yourself off from what bothers you on a daily basis.

I know from my own experience that it is possible :)
Have a great holiday!

Ola