How constructive rest can ease stress and exhaustion.
2012
I take my sleep seriously. With a husband who works nights and a child who wakes up early, sleep can sometimes elude me. Which is too bad because if it were up to me I’d go to bed at 9 PM every night. No joke. Sleep has always been my cure for stress and exhaustion.
That’s why, above all else, the thing I feared most about becoming a parent was the sleep I would inevitably lose. And lose it I did. Even when my little C started sleeping better at night, my own insomnia kicked into high gear. I was a living zombie, even 18 months after my girl was born.
Thankfully, I have some tricks up my sleeve to help me find some peace and rest despite the stress and exhaustion of parenthood. Of course, this isn’t just for parents. I’d dare say most Americans deal with chronic stress and exhaustion. And while this little secret I’m about to share isn’t a substitute for sleep, it can help relax and calm your body.
For me it was a daily life saver.
Constructive rest for stress and exhaustion
Constructive rest is an easy practice that can help relax and rejuvenate a tired body. Constructive rest position is a neutral position for the body. It is used to to help reset your body, clear your mind, and release muscle tension. It’s perfect as a pre-bedtime ritual or as a mid-day “pick me up.” Follow these easy simple steps to help rejuvenate your body.
How to practice constructive rest and ease stress and exhaustion:
1. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and touching. Place your feet on the floor, wide enough to let your knees relax and rest against each other. Or, if you tend to deal with back pain, you may start by resting your calves on the seat of a chair as you lie on the floor.
2. Place a small towel or book under you head if needed to keep your neck in line with your spine. (A good way to measure what your body needs is to stand up straight against a wall and notice how much space is between the back of your head the the wall. Try and find something around that same thickness. You may find that you need 2 – 3 small books to get your head properly aligned).
3. Place your arms in a comfortable position: by your side or on your torso.
4. Relax your shoulders, neck, facial muscles and jaw. Picture your muscles melting into the ground, allowing the earth to fully support you. Breathe deeply.
5. Quiet your mind and rest for 2 – 20 minutes.
Make it a habit
As you let this become a daily practice you may notice that your spine feels freer, chronic tension will start to decrease and you might be more able to focus and be in the present a moment. Something anyone dealing with stress and exhaustion can use. Which is all of us, right?
Right.
This post is part of Fight Back Friday, Motivation Monday, Monday Mania, Clever Chicks, Sweet Sharing Monday, Fat Tuesday, Healthy 2Day, The Mommy Club, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Real Food Wednesday, and Anything Goes Friday.
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Thank you, I so need this! I watch kids during the day (6 under 3) and lets just say i’m pretty tired by the end of the day. Going to try this at nap time
I hope it helps, Paulina! Kids are definitely tiring.
In Egoscue this is called “static back”. It is an all around equalizer for your back, hips and shoulders. If you have not heard of it, just google Egoscue. Thanks for the reminder.
I’ve heard of that. Love it!
I do something similar, as my main yoga teacher is a wonderful teacher of restorative yoga (in addition to teaching Para Yoga). This works! It’s the only form of yoga which builds ojas, or vitality.
Yoga is amazing. It really can be so powerful when taught and taken correctly. Thanks for stopping by.
one of my favorite things i learned from a great dance class, this has been a life-saver many times
Amen, friend.
I love your newsletter, this is only my 3rd issue but always find inspiring stuff. My husband also works nights, and it causes A LOT of exhaustion and stress. As a mom of 2 (one being a a one year old who still is not sleeping through the night! Grrrr!) it is hard to do dinner, baths, bedtime, etc… all by myself and have time to get my rest! Plus, morning rituals as well, because hubby needs to sleep too! So I need this, and will begin tonight! Thank you!
Just a side note, I grew up in Utah! Go Utah!
Ha ha! Go Utah! So glad you stopped by. I really do hope this helps!
Oh my goodness, I just came back to read through the instructions again, (ready to try as the kiddos are in bed!YAY!) and I noticed my typos! Ha! Just proof of how exhausted I am
!
Ha ha… I think we can all related.
Thanks for sharing this! I will have to try it
I would love to have you join us at Wildcrafting Wednesday!
http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2012/12/wildcrafting-wednesday.html
Thanks, Lisa! I’ll check it out.
My back/hips/legs like the legs up the wall position better. Am I getting the same benefits of constructive rest even though I change the position? I know of Constructive Rest through reading about the Alexander Technique. Thank you!
It’s a slightly different position, but there are benefits of putting your legs up in that it helps the lymph system. So do what feels best to you!