I am back in Physical Therapy trying to strengthen my muscles before what appears to be an imminent knee replacement.
Of course this means a multitude of leg and hip exercises in repetitive sets. There is one aspect equally as important as the exercise, and that is the pause to rest between sets.
Exercise taxes the body. It is the rest cycle that allows the muscles to rest and helps reduce fatigue. During the rest period, toxins are flushed from the body while the lungs replenish our oxygen supply.
13, 14, 15 now rest, Maggie
As I walked to my car, I thought how important it is for us to pause and rest as part of our daily process. Often I rush and in my harried state, make mistakes, drop things, or find myself getting anxious and frustrated.
This morning I stopped to watch the geese fly, even though I didn’t have the time to do so. And I realized that not having the time to do something might be the very reason why I need to do it.
My rest and recuperation periods need some fine tuning as I am sure is the case with many of us. A few years ago I scheduled an hour of meditation every morning, but that time has passed. I am better about resting now when I need a break. Sometimes a break or distraction is beneficial ‘just because’.
That distraction may be a massage, or listening to music, or reading a good book. It might be a stroll outside. I will even admit that getting lost in the fictional world of some television show is just what the doctor ordered.
My questions today are:
- How often do you pause to rest or simply take in your surroundings?
- Is this pause a scheduled part of your day?
- Do you think taking time for ourselves is a matter of self-worth?
- What type of activity feeds your soul?
- And lastly, what have you done for yourself today?
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