When I tell folks who are stressed, overwhelmed and burned out to take a break to rest and play, they look like they want to punch me. It’s like, ‘oh yeah, right! Easy for you to say, you don’t have the problems I do!’ And, I say, ‘you’re right!’ I wouldn’t say I am a master at rest and play, but I am definitely better than I used to be and the result is fewer problems!
Rest and Play.
It used to work when I picked a goal and worked really hard to make it happen. It used to be that I'd fight my way through hurdles and persevere through pain. I tried valiantly to continue that way, finding it impossible to believe that doing nothing or having fun were actually options for problem solving and having a happy life. Blessedly, my strength failed me. I crashed and burned! Hard! Then, I began to spend time being quiet. I learned to meditate instead of worrying incessantly. I set aside time to play instead of working longer and harder.
How Rest Works
You Become Aware of Your Surroundings
When you turn off logic and words, you can feel hear and see what’s going on around you.
Awareness is a great tool. When we leave the world of our thoughts, we can see what’s happening in our present. Much can be noticed. Much fear can be quieted.
You Can Feel What’s Going in Your Body
Your body has a store of information. When we learn it’s language, we have a new source of information to use to create/enjoy our lives.
It Reduces All Stress
All stress markers come down when we mindfully focus on our surroundings and body signals.
How Play Works
Access to More of Our Brain
While our logic and ‘thinking’ is great for amassing vast amounts of information, it is the right side of the brain that takes that information and finds ways to use it. The right side of the brain has a chance to search for connections between information and unsolved problems/worries when we play.
Time Slows Down
When we play, we again, become completely present. We are not thinking about the past or worrying about the future, we are fully absorbed in the moment. Time literally stops.
Better Results
Again, in play your brain is free to make creative associations and connections. At play you are free from fear. Fear can’t help but create dark results. Creation from rest and play is inspired and fresh.
To Recap
Rest and Play are any activities, or non-activities, that put us in the present moment and take us out of our worry (fear). The more time you can spend in rest and play, the freer, the more creative, the more you you will become. You will become healthier, happier and younger! (the time stopping part does that!)
So, please, as your Life Coach, I strongly advise you, especially you who is tired, overwhelmed and burned out, rest and play! Repeat until results are obvious.
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Email: coachjenniferwashington@gmail.com
Jennifer Washington Certified Martha Beck Life Coach
What Now Life Coaching
www.whatnowlifecoaching.com