Routines for Rest
It’s that time of year. Summer holidays are drawing to a close. There is a feeling almost akin to a new year - a threshold of possibility and a time to press the reset button.
First things first though, let’s not all go getting excited and making a set of ‘new (academic) year’s resolutions’ that we’re going to throw by the wayside in two weeks time. That’s definitely not what this is about. Instead, I’d love to encourage you to think about this time of year as a gentle reset. A moment that offers us reflection, to check in with ourselves to see if the things we are doing truly do support our vision of a well rested self and a fulfilled life.
September offers us a wonderful opportunity to create new habits or reestablish habits that we’ve fallen out of step with ahead of the winter season. One of the greatest benefits to doing this in September is that we have been recharged by the summer, had a break that (hopefully) has allowed ourselves to boost our energy, and there is considerably more light than in the depths of winter. Habits or routines which are put into place now have a much higher chance of succeeding consistently, and we have a much higher chance of continuing these on into the winter months.
But what does a routine that supports you to be your best-rested self look like?
As always, what helps to calm, relax and soothe your nervous system looks different for everyone. But one thing that is critical is that these things are done regularly. And this is where building a routine around rest can be extremely helpful.
Here are some ways I build my routine for rest…
I love rituals. I may even be slightly obsessed by them. To the point where most of my morning routine feels like a daily rest ritual. From the way that stir my cacao, to the cosy corner I meditate in, everything is in place to make starting my day in the best possible way both easy and accessible.
I have recently started using an app called Opal which is helping me to be much more mindful in how I use my time. So often, in those stolen moments when I could rest, I was finding myself swallowed up into the social media wormhole… Now, when I reach my phone, Opal helps me to recognise that this actually a moment where I can stop, take note of where I am at, and do something to nourish, rather than deplete, me.
Every month, I take stock of how my last month went, how I am feeling, and what I might need to tweak for the month ahead. I then pop my non-negotiables into my calendar first. These are the things that help me to show up as my well-rested self - things like sister circles, morning meditation, at least two nights a week for early nights. I’ll also look at what is coming up that I may need to change things up for - for example, if I am running a multi-day residential retreat I may need to up my self-care that month and take some of the usual activities out.
There are certain activities that I know are good for me, that I often find difficult to be consistent with. Exercise is definitely in this category! It helps me to have accountability for this - this may look like exercising with another person, or having an accountability buddy that I ‘report’ back to. I also find that if I don’t do this first thing in the morning this is much less likely to happen, so I’ve got to crowd in the good stuff before I get swept up in the day.
And the biggest tip - start small! Don’t suddenly decide that now is the time to build in alllll the things. Habits are formed incrementally. Start with just one thing. And do it. Consistently. Put in the diary and show up for it - show up for yourself.
My one thing this month? I’m committing to daily cold dipping. This is equally terrifying and exciting for me… I’ll let you know how I get on!!
Let me know what one ting you are going to build into your routine this month!
with love
Suzi