Rest: Making time for physical restoration and healing

Physical Wellbeing:  What every body needs to thrive

Rest: Making time for physical restoration and healing

EQUALLY IMPORTANT as developing the habit of regular exercise is getting enough rest – this is perhaps our favorite part of any weekend or vacation and, in our busy lives, we often wait until then to “catch up on our sleep”.  Unfortunately, recent studies show that catching up on sleep does not work as well as we might hope.  

In a 2002 study conducted of contemporary sleeping habits, it estimated that nearly half of all American suffer some form of sleep deprivation.  Besides decreasing our effectiveness, it is just plain miserable to suffer throughout the day (especially a work day) being under-rested or even exhausted.  Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to major health problems if it is not addressed. 

For a normal, healthy adult, seven to eight hours of sleep each night is suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for optimal health.  Sleep restores not just our physical bodies but assists with mental and emotional health management.  The healthiest and most restorative times for sleep synchronize with our circadian rhythms, which are linked to metabolism of cells and occur most effectively with consistent 7-8 hours of nighttime sleep.

Global societies with the greatest success in promoting longevity include a “siesta” as part of their lifestyle.  Short, well timed naps, perhaps mid-afternoon for 20-30 minutes, may also assist in assuring that the body gets enough rest.  In the end, having enough energy on a daily basis to accomplish what is most important to you may be the best guide for determining healthy sleep patterns FOR YOU. 

During our Costa Rica vacations, just as we encourage you to find a way to move your body that you find enjoyable (usually known by its less popular name - exercise).  We also encourage you to take all the time that you body needs to rest and re-create itself, so that you feel rejuvenated, not drained, when you return to you everyday life.

Taking a vacation with Leadership for Life in Costa Rica, soothed by the sound of the ocean waves and the swimming pool complex waterfalls, is an excellent place to recommit to healthy sleep patterns and to test what will work for you back home.

Come join us!

In our next blog, we will explore the role of nutrition in Physical Wellbeing and discuss the concept of “Eating for Life”J