Rest

"Come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest". These words were spoken by Jesus understanding how important rest is for our bodies and for our soul. Psalms says that God gives His beloved sleep.Rest and sleep are necessary for a healthy lifestyle!

Most experts agree that the average person needs between 6-9 hours of sleep per day.It is during this time that the body and mind are rejuvenated. The body repairs itself.In fact every athlete knows that in order to stay strong, and for the normal growth of muscle, rest and sleep are an important element in their training routines.

Sleep deprivation can have serious and even deadly consequences. Long distance drivers must take breaks by law. Most professions have limits on how many hours a person can work consecutively. Most people become agitated and disorientated when they are lacking sleep. In fact, even God rested on the seventh day of creation!

Beside sleep we often need time during the day when we can rest. Resting can take on many forms. Meditation, short (20min.) naps, deep focused breathing and times of reflection are all forms of rest for both the mind and body. I remember when I first started teaching that I would come home and put the TV on and watch a painter whose name was Bob Ross. His voice was soothing and calming and I would sit in my recliner, close my eyes and listen to Bob explain his current project and his view on life. I would get up after that half hour and be ready for dinner and my second job!

Without proper sleep and rest our bodies become run down. Our resistance to illness is weakened and we become more prone to injury. Our health, and especially our quality of health, is dependant in part on our ability to balance all of the components that create a healthy lifestyle. Sleep and rest is as important to our well-being as work and exercise are. In fact, it is more important! An over exercised muscle will actually break down instead of being built up. Overworking on the job is often not as productive in the long term as knowing when you need a rest and getting a good night's sleep. A refreshed mind and body is ready for the challenges put before it.

So, get 6-9 hours of sleep each night and try to get at least one twenty minute break during the day to recharge the mind and body and you will surely notice the difference!

Grace and Peace,

Ed