An EMBER TO REMEMBER: REST
Rest is an essential benefit and element of life. It is vital for one's physical, mental, and emotional health. Rest allows one to be gracefully recharged, restored, and recovered. In this fast-paced and ever-changing trending culture, rest, consistent rest, is a cheat code to progress in life.
Rest is not limited or relevant to the human race or species. It's also visible and active within other living organisms and nature. The hibernation of certain species during the colder months, weather patterns, and the rotational pull of the earth that causes the seasons to shift within different regions of the world all reveal the need for rest. Even the distinction between night and day is a form of rest. For those who believe in the biblical text, God Himself rested when He spoke the universe and all living things into existence. Rest is not just essential; it's a part of the natural order and highly beneficial for all.
Creating a Consistent Space for Rest
Creating a space for consistent rest has excellent benefits. Many research studies have been completed on physical rest, revealing its support for our overall health. Allowing ourselves to rest physically boosts our immune system, which is responsible for combating bacteria and germs. It also supports brain functioning by increasing concentration and focus, improving digestion, and lowering blood pressure, to name a few (Campbell County Health). The opposite is true when we do not allow ourselves to rest physically—our health is at risk of declining.
It's not rocket science that a healthy rest routine supports our health. However, it's important to acknowledge this and ensure rest is considered part of one's daily routine.
A Rest from Control
Where it's essential to acknowledge the need to allow our bodies to rest physically, it's also important to recognize and allow ourselves to rest in general, specifically from things or situations beyond our control. Such things or situations can include relational problems, financial challenges, job loss, issues with housing, health problems, and every other discouraging situation or circumstance. While it's fairly easy for our bodies to rest physically, resting from the need to control everything or every outcome is the most challenging.
As life pushes and pulls us to juggle, maintain, and manage multiple things simultaneously, trying to balance our personal lives and remaining aware of the things happening around us can become extremely overwhelming. Such imbalances can take a toll on not only our physical health but our mental and emotional health as well. Potential effects can cause an increase in anxiety, depression, hypertension, and other health issues. Understanding that "some" circumstances or situations are beyond our control is imperative. We can do only so much within our human strength and logic. Coincidentally, that which is beyond our human strength and logic is where we put our faith in action to release such things out of our control -- that which is too challenging (1 Peter 5:7).
Remaining In a Rhythm of Rest
Long story short, we were not made for only movement but also rest. Building a consistent balance to rest for overall health and things beyond our control is essential for our progress. Rest is necessary to help us recharge, recover, and recalibrate. Rest makes us stronger. Rest progresses our health. Rest increases our momentum.
Simply put, remain in a rhythm of rest!
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