We often talk about working well, eating well and spending well, but we rarely talk about resting well.  Rest, it seems, is one of those elusive things we say we will get to when we finally go on the long awaited cruise, trip to the mountains, or, if were lucky, have an elusive spa day.

Rest is however essential to an intentional life.  It is something we must practice and make a priority.  A well rested mind allows us to think clearly and process the events that have unfolded in our lives.  A well rested body heals itself, allowing muscle, cell, and tissue to rejuvenate.  A well rested psyche allows for enhanced emotional health and the ability to handle stressful situations.

As important as rest is, it is not a legalistic ritual.  In fact, rest differs from person to person.  What one person considers restful, another may see as pure drudgery.  For example, any sort of outdoor work is restful to me, it stimulates creativity and allows me to walk away feeling rejuvenated.  Running is also a form of rest to me, it allows me to process my thoughts and clear my head.  For most though, the two things I just mentioned as restful, running and outdoor work, many would find laughable.  But believe me, a glass of wine on the porch is most certainly also one of my favorite ways to rest.

So, how do we define rest?  When I consider what is restful, I run it through the following filter:

1 – When I am done with the period of rest, how do I feel?

2 – Does the period of rest enhance my creative thought process?

3 – Do I feel that I am better able to connect to my friends and family after I have rested?

4 – Do I leave my time of rest feeling rested in mind, body and emotion?

I believe we need to be intentional about rest in the rhythm of our life.  For me, this means setting aside one day per week where I simply rest.  This means I can do outdoor work, spend time on my avocations, such as hiking or camping with my family; and most importantly, I sleep in and fast from computers and email, spending time instead with my family and friends.

Quarterly and annual times of rest must be scheduled in as well.  However, if we start with the baby steps of intentionally blocking off one day per week to rest, we will find the ability to enforce our boundaries and take the steps needed to ensure we are getting the rest we need.