5 Ways to Embrace Rest

5 Ways to Embrace Rest 1. Delete email from your phone Even when we’re at home, work always finds a way to grab our attention, especially when we’re constantly getting email notifications on our phones. Deleting email applications (or at least turning off notifications) can ensure that you won’t be drawn to do work while you’re resting and make you more present in your restful moments. 2. Read, or listen to, a book for fun Reading is a great way to rest because it allows us to interact with something we enjoy. It pulls us away from our present reality and stresses, and makes us focus on something new. It also lowers our heart rate and relaxes our muscles, relieving stress. 3. Take a short break between tasks Taking short periods of rest might seem counterintuitive to getting work done, but it can actually make us more productive. Studies show that when we take breaks, it relieves stress, increases our energy levels, and lessens our need for longer recovery periods at the end of the day. 4. Use your vacation days Setting aside time to be away from work can feel like a challenge, but it’s super important, especially when those short breaks don’t seem like enough. When we’ve been working hard, a longer recovery period is needed, even if it’s just one day. Just because they’re called “vacation days” doesn’t mean you need to go to a tropical place (although that sounds amazing); your vacation can be staying at home and making a delicious meal. 5. Take a nap Napping is sometimes hard for people who feel like they have too much to do. But it can actually help us do our work better and more efficiently. According to studies, napping improves our mood, memory, job performance, and lessens stress.