We all want to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. For real we all want to feel good in our body, mind, and soul. We all want to be the best version of ourselves.
But how do we achieve this? How do we start and sustain our wellness journey?
One of the key ingredients for wellness is rest. Rest is not just the absence of activity or the opposite of work.
Rest is an active and intentional process of recharging, refreshing, and renewing ourselves. Rest is a way of honoring our needs, desires, and dreams. Rest is a way of expressing our love and gratitude for ourselves and others.
What is cellular health and why does it matter?
Cellular health is a perspective of health that focuses on the unique needs your body has at a cellular level. Your body is made up of trillions of cells, each with its own function and role. They are the building blocks of life, and they need to be healthy and happy for you to be healthy and happy.
Cellular health matters because it affects every aspect of your well-being, from your immunity to your metabolism to your mood. When your cells are healthy, they can perform their tasks efficiently and effectively, and communicate with each other and with other systems in your body. When your cells are unhealthy, they can become damaged, dysfunctional or even die, leading to inflammation, disease and aging.
HOW DOES IT BOOST CELLULAR HEALTH?
Another way that rest can boost your cellular health is by regulating your circadian rhythm, which is your natural 24-hour cycle of biological processes. Your circadian rhythm affects many aspects of your cellular function, such as gene expression, hormone production, metabolism and DNA repair.
When you rest according to your circadian rhythm, you align your internal clock with the external environment, and optimize your cellular performance. When you disrupt your circadian rhythm by staying up late, traveling across time zones or using artificial light at night, you confuse your cells and impair their function.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who disrupted their circadian rhythm had lower levels of natural killer cells, which are another type of white blood cell that fight cancer and infections.
Rest can take many forms and shapes, depending on our preferences, personalities, and circumstances. Rest can be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Rest can be passive or active, solitary or social, structured or spontaneous.
Some examples of restful activities are:
● Sleeping
● Napping
● Meditating
● Praying
● Reading
● Writing
● Journaling
● Drawing
● Painting
● Singing
● Dancing
● Playing
● Gardening
● Cooking
● Baking
● Knitting
● Sewing
● Crafting
● Hiking
● Biking
● Swimming
● Yoga
● Pilates
● Tai chi
● Massage
● Spa
● Bathing
● Cuddling
● Kissing
● Hugging
The list is endless and the choice is yours. The only rule is that you enjoy it and it makes you feel good.
How to get started on your rest journey
The first step to start our rest journey is to acknowledge the importance and value of rest. Rest is not a luxury or a waste of time. Rest is a necessity and a priority for your well-being and happiness. Rest is not selfish or lazy. Rest is generous and productive for yourself and others.
The second step to start your rest journey is to assess your current level and quality of rest. How much rest do you get each day? How much rest do you need each day? How do you feel after resting? How do you feel when you don't rest? What are the benefits of resting for you? What are the costs of not resting for you?
The third step to start your rest journey is to set realistic and specific goals for your rest. How much rest do you want to get each day? When do you want to rest each day? Where do you want to rest each day? How do you want to rest each day? What are the outcomes that you expect from resting?
The fourth step to start your rest journey is to plan and schedule your rest. Make a list of the activities that you enjoy and that make you feel rested. Choose one or more activities that suit your goals, preferences, and availability. Block some time in your calendar for your rest activities. Treat your rest time as sacred and non-negotiable.
The fifth step to start your rest journey is to take action and enjoy your rest. Follow your plan and stick to your schedule. Do the activities that you have chosen and savor the experience. Be present and mindful of your sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Be grateful and proud of yourself for taking care of yourself.
How to sustain your rest journey
The first tip to sustain your rest journey is to monitor and evaluate your progress. Track how much rest you get each day, week, month, or year. Track how you feel before, during, and after resting. Track the impact of resting on your health, happiness, and success. Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your efforts.
The second tip to sustain your rest journey is to adjust and adapt your plan as needed. Be flexible and open-minded about your rest goals, activities, and schedule. Experiment with different types of rest and see what works best for you. Change or modify your plan according to your needs, desires, or circumstances.
The third tip to sustain your rest journey is to overcome the barriers and challenges that prevent you from resting.
Rest is not a luxury
It is a necessity for your cellular health.
By resting well, you can support your cells in their vital functions, and improve your overall health and well-being. So don’t neglect your rest, and make it a priority in your life.
If you want to learn more about how to optimize your cellular health, check out our blogs for more tips and resources.
You can also sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on health research and wellness guides. And don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends and family, so they can benefit from resting too.
Remember, you are only as healthy as your cells. So rest well, and be a cellular superhero!