Rest is crucial for the body to recover from mental, physical and emotional strain. And when our bodies are particularly stressed -because we're sick or overworked, for example - we need even more of it to heal.

There are tremendous benefits to getting adequate rest. For instance, it promotes a healthy heart, steadies your blood sugar, boosts your immune system, improves memory, aids digestion, tempers cravings, and helps your muscles . Think of it as a reset for the mind and body so that your organs can function optimally, weight management is easier, your body can heal itself, your mind is more clear, your mood is high, and your performance peaks.

Here are some key signs your body needs more rest:

- You're feeling snippy, anxious or irritable

- You're fatigued

- You're experiencing muscle tightness and pain in the body

- You're having difficulty concentrating; little focus

- Your mind is racing; overthinking

- Your eye is twitching

- You're forgetting things or jumbling your words

- You're energy is low

- You're craving high fat or high sugar foods

- You're more clumsy or accident prone than normal

- You've been sick; low immunity

While getting 7-9 hours of sleep is ideal, if you want to wake up feeling truly rested you need to create habits that support quality sleep. If you’re seeing signs that your body needs more rest and you want to give yourself a boost, try these helpful tips to prioritize deeper rest and recovery.

✔️ Take short breaks throughout the day to move your body and rest your mind

✔️ Connect to nature

✔️ Take a restorative yoga class

✔️ Say no to something you really don't want to do

✔️ Practice deep breathing to downregulate the nervous system

✔️ Limit your caffeine intake

✔️ Write down your thoughts before bed

✔️ Drink a calming herbal tea as part of your winddown routine

✔️ Turn off electronics and devices 1-2 hours before bed

What signals does your body give YOU to show that you need more rest? And how can you honor those needs right now? Drop a line in the comments.

If you’ve found these tips helpful and desire personalized wellness solutions to help improve your overall well-being and energy, my holistic health coaching program is for you. Schedule a complementary Wellness Consultation to learn how I can help.