In a world where the boundaries between work and life are often blurred, taking time for yourself has never been more crucial. With Labor Day quickly approaching, the long weekend offers a perfect opportunity to pause and embrace rest and relaxation. With that being said, Interior Motions understands the potential difficulty in switching from a go-go-go mindset to a more calm state of being. That is why we are offering you these practical tips to make the most of this well-deserved break.
Labor Day weekend is a great opportunity to reduce your screen time. We suggest disconnecting from technology entirely because the lure of unchecked emails is often too difficult to resist with your phone right in front of you. In doing so, you are establishing clear boundaries for your life, which allows you to rest more easily.
Relaxation doesn't just happen. It requires effort, structure, and the choice to actively prioritize your own wellbeing. It may seem like adding one more thing to your to-do list is counterintuitive to relaxation but setting goals for relaxation gives you a clear vision of what you need to do and how.
Sometimes your brain needs a cue to signal that it’s time for rest. Avery Sunshine, speaker and life coach, recommends creating a “relaxation routine” consisting of activities that put your mind at ease. For example, start Friday evening off by lighting some candles, then maybe putting on some of your favorite music, and ending the night with a bath. This tells your brain that you are entering the weekend and it’s okay to relax!
It would be hard to relax if everyone around you is still operating at a go-go-go pace. That is why it is helpful to surround yourself with people who share your value of rest and can help hold you accountable for your relaxation goals.
Nature is the best medicine for a reason. Studies show that time in nature “is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.”
Self care looks different for everyone. For some people, it means doing a face mask and getting their nails done. For others, it means journaling outside and doing some mindfulness exercises. Find what makes you happy and carve out a portion of your weekend to do it.
There are numerous studies indicating the importance of rest and relaxation for our mental and physical wellbeing. For example, rest actually enhances your creativity and productivity. Despite popular belief, constant work does not equate to higher productivity. Stepping away from your tasks enables you to view things from a different point of view and improves your problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, rest and relaxation can help you fight off maladies associated with chronic stress: hypertension, heart disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome, arthritis.
This Labor Day weekend, we hope you remember that rest and relaxation are not indulgences but necessities for our well-being. Taking time off from work to recharge, unwind, and spend time with loved ones is a valuable investment in your physical and mental health. So, make the most of this long weekend, and don't forget to prioritize self-care.
