3 Ways to Get Rest Quick

How is April treating you so far? For me, this year has been one of those off-to-the-races kind of start. Thankfully, I've learned from the past to double down on things that slow me down in order to stay afloat and be happy. 

However, there was a time in my life when there was simply too much going on to feel energetically abundant.  My husband and I had just opened a restaurant, we had two small kids, and I had a full teaching load as I was working towards my advanced teaching certification.  I felt like I had a handle on it, but my body disagreed.  I had lower back pain, but it was strange–I didn’t pull a muscle or hurt it by doing something. It didn’t feel muscular or skeletal. It felt like my kidneys were sore! I was losing my zest for life. I was tired.  

Lucky for me, one of the teachers at the school of Oriental Medicine across the street was in my class. He’s the BEST.  After class I asked if he would take my pulse. He asked me a few questions, felt my qi, thought for a moment, and said,

“Get rest quick.”

(Catch the whole story on this week's Jess on the Mountain Episode 8: Chakra Two and Feeling Depleted.) 

I still love this phrase. Three simple words, one big message: "You've been burning the candle at both ends. You must get rest NOW." 

Well that's not always easy. But there are a few things we can do to settle the nerves and refill the reservoir without too much of a time commitment.

Here are three ideas for getting rest that take 5 minutes or less:

1. Close your eyes, visualize a beautiful water source, and breathe deeply and evenly for 10 breaths.

2. Do viparita karani, or legs up the wall. Rest your hips on a folded blanket, put your legs up a wall or on a couch, connect index fingers to thumbs, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. (Set a timer if you're afraid you'll fall asleep!)

3. Set yourself up in supported downward facing savasana, and let the grounding feeling of your belly on the earth bring you a sense of restful calm: One block under each shoulder and a blanket fold under your forehead, rest for 3-5 minutes. (see photo)

 I hope you try one of these the next time you're feeling drained and could use a little rejuvenating restorative yoga. You'll be surprised how little it takes to feel better when you set the intention of self care, and then follow through!

May you notice when your cups are getting low, and may you get rest quick.

Much love,

Jess