10 ways for restless people who don't like rest to find their way towards it (and not hate it)

Resting doesn’t always come easy… here are 10 ways for you to come gently towards it.

1. Choose your time wisely: going from 100 to a sudden stop leaves your system asking WTAF… try to slow yourself gently towards rest.

Is there a time of day most suited to you resting? 

ICYMI: we don’t need to rest only when we are tired.

2. Self massage - simple touch a lovely and wonderfully effective way to settle into the interior world whilst calming the nervous system. Maybe start with the hands or feet - those “busy” parts of the body and see what other parts call out for more.

3. Sound - is there energy wanting to be released through sound? Maybe a big exhale, maybe a groan, a primal scream…. Be open to the unexpected, see what comes out.

4. Breath - can we find an easeful way to a lengthened exhale which will help your nervous system drop a gear or two.

5. Movement - if you feel agitated, then move. It’s also possible to rest in movement. Even when we rest in stillness there is movement too.

7. Use a guide - go to a restful practice, use a recorded nidra, having somebody guide you and hold you even remotely can make the biggest difference. Supervised rest FTW.

8. Shake - this helps mobilise energy the body needs to release, and with that stress release you may find something else ‘underneath it"‘.

9. Do it your way - Rest can look different for each of us. The important thing is that you allow yourself time.

10. Remember rest is a practice - you’ll need to keep coming back to it. Some days will be easier than others.