When we think of being healthier, we often tend to focus on the things we should be doing more of.
But while exercise and movement undoubtedly play an essential role in staying healthy and active, there are also tangible health benefits to slowing down, doing less and prioritising rest and relaxation.
Here are five simple reasons you should allow yourself to rest without any guilt, knowing you are doing your bit to boost your own mood, health and wellbeing.
1. Sleep is the foundation to feeling good
Before you rush out to buy expensive supplements or try complicated gadgets to improve how you feel, check your sleep first. The body can only function well if it is getting enough sleep so prioritise going to bed early and allowing yourself plenty of time to rest.
When people are very busy and have a lot to do, they can mistakenly view sleep as a waste of their time, stopping them achieving all the tasks they want to complete each day. However, when you sleep you give your body a chance to repair and restore itself. Your brain in particular is hard at work as you sleep. Groups of brain cells known as neuronal ensembles replay the experiences of the day, sorting through them to create memories and help you learn from the things which have happened to you.
Making sure you get enough sleep will also help you emotionally regulate as feeling tired can make you more sensitive to intense emotions and more likely to react badly to what may otherwise be seen as small setbacks and frustrations.
2. Your gut needs rest to digest
When you take a break, your parasympathetic nervous system takes charge and your body moves into ‘rest and digest’ mode. Your brain sends signals to your gut to speed up your rate of digestion and your pancreas starts to release more insulin to break down your blood sugars. When you are always on the go or under a lot of stress, your body remains on high alert and your sympathetic nervous system remains in control, ready to react when needed. This can disrupt your digestive system, leading to problems like bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach pains.
So, the next time you feel like you need a nap or to relax after a big meal, listen to your body. It needs time to catch up and digest the food you’ve just eaten properly so you can stay feeling healthy.
3. Cutting your to-do list lowers your cortisol levels
If you spend all your time trying to complete tasks and forget about taking time to rest, relax and recover, your stress levels are likely to stay consistently high. Stress isn’t just about feeling worried or overwhelmed, it also has an impact on your wider health. In moments of high activity and stress, your body’s adrenal glands, which are found on top of your kidneys, produces cortisol. This steroid hormone has a useful purpose, helping you to stay alert after the initial rush of adrenalin has subsided. However, too much cortisol over a prolonged period can start to have a negative impact on your body.
Cortisol causes your liver to release blood sugar so you have the energy you need to respond to a crisis. But when people live stressful lifestyles, this can lead to them having high blood sugar levels which can cause them to gain weight and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Consistently having too much cortisol can also impact memory, raise blood pressure and suppress people’s immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections.
When you take time to rest, you help your body become more balanced. Cortisol does have an important role to play but it should follow a natural cycle with high levels in the morning to kickstart your day and lower levels at night to allow you to sleep and recover.
4. Slow living could be the key to feeling happier
Putting your energy into the things which really matter and focusing on quality rather than quantity can help you feel more fulfilled. Instead of valuing being busy and getting trapped on the treadmill of daily life, taking things slower can help you be more mindful and present. Stop trying to multitask and instead tackle tasks one at a time, making time for breaks when you need them. This will make you more aware of what is going on around you and improve the end result.
When you’re talking to people, give them your full attention rather than trying to juggle a chat with something else. This slower, more intentional approach to life can improve your relationships with others and help you feel calmer and more content. It will also help improve your concentration levels and short-term memory.
5. A daily disconnect can help boost your creativity
Spending just 15 to 20 minutes each day doing absolutely nothing can actually do wonders for your creativity, problem-solving skills and general mental wellbeing. Find a comfortable spot to sit and disconnect from everything around you. Put the devices away, turn off any distractions and simply allow yourself to be.
While this can feel uncomfortable at first, regularly taking time to do nothing at all helps your body and mind to slow down and you will often find this is when you end up getting some of your best ideas. The process of unplugging from your busy life can also help you feel refreshed and more able to take on any challenges.
La-Z-Boy’s Long Live the Lazy campaign is all about celebrating slowing down and appreciating the joy of a lazy moment. To find the perfect chair or sofa to unwind in, check out our latest ranges here.
