REST

In this journey to my best health life, I’m finding that rest is just as important as eating and exercising. There are apps now on every device that you can buy for health monitoring, that include our sleep patterns. Even Apple and a few others recognize the importance or they wouldn’t have put it on there right?

Also, when I say the word REST, and when I think I need a nap, what I really need is just some time to lay down, take a few deep breaths and not do anything in the quiet, AND not feel guilty about it! My husband will say to me, “You didn’t even sleep” and my response is, “I guess I just needed to lay and be still for a few minutes.” His response jokingly is “You’re not even trying, I’m a professional.” To which I agree because this man knows how to rest!

I have to admit sometimes it does take me a few minutes to unwind my brain and be present in the present of rest, and Yes there have been times that I actually just got up. I didn’t give myself permission to rest, unfortunately. I do although think that it’s time to recognize those moments and ask the Lord for help to get to that place of rest.

I believe resting can be in a hot bath full of bubbles, sitting reading a good book, and even taking a long walk, you also know what works best for you when it comes to resting. It just needs to be something that you can take a deep breath and enjoy the moment without any agenda, to do list, shoulda, coulda or woulda’s, and if you happen to fall asleep that’s just bonus, just don’t fall asleep in the bathtub or on a sidewalk. YIKES!

Here are a few facts about sleep: (found in a Healthline article) I am going to list just a few things here so please check this out for yourself.

Without enough sleep our bodies have a hard time functioning properly. Sleep deficiency is linked to chronic health problems affecting the heart, kidneys, blood, brain and mental health.

Several biological processes happen during sleep:

The brain stores new information and gets rid of toxic waste.

Nerve cells communicate and reorganize, which supports healthy brain function.

The body repairs cells, restores energy, and releases molecules like hormones and proteins.

There’s energy conservation, Cellular restoration, brain function, emotional well-being, weight maintenance, proper insulin function, heart health just to name a few.

Wow, just reading through this article for myself is making me want to go take a nap! It’s a Sunday afternoon and I just might do that.

I believe God about the importance of resting. In Genesis, He rested on the 7th day, in Psalms 23 He makes us to lay down in green pastures, he restores our souls, in Matthew 11, he says come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and He will give you rest. These are just a few scriptures that talk about us resting with Him and in Him.

So when our lives get busy and sometimes chaotic and we say we have no time for rest, that is probably the time we need it most.

Give yourself a break, it’s not an indulgence, it’s something we were created to do and it’s good for you!

Just ME

Recipe: Healthy Snack to Help you sleep better

Ingredients:

1 cup of warm almond milk

1 tbl spoon of honey

1 tsp of cinnamon

1 small banana, sliced

1 tbl spoon of chia seeds

Cooking Instructions:

In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over low heat until warm but not boiling. Stir in the honey and cinnamon until well combined, then remove from heat. Pour the mixture into a bowl, add the banana slices and chia seeds and relish your calming snack.

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg.

This is by Isabelle Marlowe on Pinterest under 14 Night Snacks that Help You Sleep Better Naturally