Five Activities for Rest & Rejuvination

In Jane Austen’s Emma, one of the characters, Jane Fairfax, states, “‘We all know at times what it is to be wearied in spirits.'” True, true. We drown in the rush of life and become so committed to the daily grind that we neglect to breathe. Then we suffer from chronic exhaustion. When we do have time to relax, we scroll on our phones for hours and feel guilty for not being more productive. If you can relate, this post is for you.

We should work hard and do our best; however, we should also make time for intentional rest. This is something I have been working on this year, and these five activities have helped me slow down.

1. Read a book

Reading doesn’t have to be a chore. If you find a book you enjoy, it can be quite fun and relaxing. Bonus points if you drink a cup of tea or coffee as you read. If you need some book recommendations, you can find some here.

2. Take a warm bath

You don’t have to purchase expensive self-care products to pamper yourself. Take a warm bath or shower to wash off the day. Close your eyes and just breathe.

3. Go for a slow walk

Observe the changes in the weather. Take note of the different scents and sounds around you. You could also listen to music or an audiobook as you walk.

4. Color or draw

As a perfectionist who was never good at drawing, I never really enjoyed it. However, I do enjoy coloring. It allows me to use my hands artistically. It also gives me time to let my mind wander. Maybe it’ll help you too.

5. Write in a journal

Journaling lets you store all your thoughts on paper. It’s especially helpful for overthinkers whose minds don’t want to settle down. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to journaling, you can read my post, “Seven Prompts for Daily Journaling.”

Conclusion

Sometimes we have to learn to rest and teach our brains how to settle down. I hope these activities gave you some ideas of how to find relaxation and rejuvenation. How do you find rest? What activities help you relax?