As a central part of modern life, our mental and spiritual health should be given as much care and respect as our physical wellbeing. Now, we might finally be reaching a stage where we can reinvent the term "wellness" and revitalize the meaning without relying on the traditional healing arts and techniques for treatment.
It's not news that there's a growing epidemic of stress-related issues and other problems like anxiety disorders and depression affecting people of all ages and walks of life. Even the most seemingly self-contained and well-adjusted person can harbor issues that can lead to mental and spiritual deterioration if left unchecked.
In the late 20th century, thanks to the ever-booming growth of conventional medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, physical health has been receiving more and more attention from the general public, driving the growth of medical assistance and conventional health care.
However, as a focal part of life, mental and spiritual health should also be given as much care and respect as physical health. Unfortunately for the modern man, mental and spiritual health tends to be a low priority for most of us.
The term "wellness", originally defined as the state of being physically healthy, has been stretched to include mental and spiritual health. And now, with the growth of internet culture and social media, we might finally be reaching a stage where we can reinvent the term, as well as revitalize its meaning, by representing it to reflect modern lives and the people who live in this digital age.
Restorative rest is necessary for being healthy in mind, body, and spirit. It has important benefits for general well-being in the long term. Sleeping well is a restorative exercise that's beneficial for the overall well-being of a man, it's better to sleep in intervals to receive those benefits.
What is the way of rest?
It is the way of creation, the way of progress. Strong men have strong nerves. If they want to be successful, they must strike a balance between rest and work. Eight hours sleep is enough if you require restful sleep. The fact that you do not have to go to bed at 9 pm does not mean that you have a sufficient amount of rest. For every man, a sufficient number of hours of restful sleep is eight, but a man can live his life without having enough restful sleep if he is capable of going without sleep for a long time.
I'll return to a common theme here. We all have a tendency to think that we work better when we don't make a lot of sleep a priority, and I'll admit I'm still guilty of going against my natural body's need for rest. The reason I'm guilty is that I've tried everything, and for a long time, it seemed like I could keep going without getting much sleep until my body and mind could not take it anymore. I got burned out.
We’re talking about the benefits and importance of rest and taking a moment to stop and breathe.
The Bible says we should be diligent in our work and pursue our livelihood, but also that we should not be enslaved by it. We all need to take a break from the fast-paced world we live in and make time to restore our bodies, minds, and souls. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disheartened, take a deep breath. Maybe go for a run. Read a good book. Take an hour to rest and recharge before you start your workload up again.
Rest is nature's gems
Rest is a scarce resource for most of us. We spend more time in bed trying to improve our quality of sleep with books, apps, and gadgets. We're trying to squeeze hours out of 24 hours in a day. Every second counts when you're in a race against time.
Humans were created to rest and humans need rest to live healthier and happier lives. We all know we need to rest, but we often don't get the opportunity. The problem is more apparent in today's very busy world.
There is no limit to how much work you can do, yet the amount of time off you need is never enough. That’s because taking breaks makes you more productive during your work. Humans are made to work, but that doesn’t mean being on the job 24/7 is healthy or sustainable. It’s just natural for your brain, immune system, and cortisol levels.
Rest can reverse the course of illness
When it comes to lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, depression, and heart disease, it may be possible in some cases to reverse the course.
A recent study in Mental Health shows that getting an hour-long restful sleep can significantly reduce symptoms of depression.
The study analyzed the results of 60 adults who were diagnosed with depression, and after an hour of sleep, scientists found that their symptoms had reduced by up to 50 percent. The findings prove that not only is enough sleep important, but also the right amount of restful sleep.
So, what does this mean for your brain? A good sleep can clear harmful proteins that form after the brain experiences stress, which could be why it's essential to getting through depression. "Sleep clears out the toxins, so it re-balances the chemicals in the brain," according to a research paper on mental health.
Rest enhance your mind, body and soul
Have you heard that by not getting enough sleep you put your health and mental performance at risk? It’s becoming easier to set your own sleep schedule, too. How we sleep and how we spend our days has a lot to do with health and well-being.
A recent study published by the National Institute of Health claims sleep deprivation may be more than just a headache. One of the most profound effects of poor sleep is the damage it has on the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that coordinates decision making and complex reasoning. This can lead to poor decision making, impaired concentration and attention, and increased impulsivity and anxiety which in turn may lead to depression and mood disorders. This, in turn, can lead to a greater risk of heart attacks and diabetes.
Here are some of the benefits of resting: better memory and concentration, improved problem-solving skills and creativity, stronger immune system and less irritability, increased productivity and more.
Bottom line
It's been a day of rest for me, maybe I can call it a season of enjoyment. With an early morning warm water bath, a visit to a nice restaurant to feed on special delicacies, a walk in a park, and an extended hours of sleep revived and rejuvenate my mind, body, and soul. I feel like a new born baby again without any feeling of pains or exhaustion.
I know that there is no shortage of content with this headline. But no one would call it original. What sets this article apart, is the depth of the information provided. The article goes more than just surface-level advice. It takes an academic view of rest to explain why it's so great.
True, our body needs rest most times, cause we are humans not robot.