If giving yourself permission to nurture yourself in this way is challenging, find creative ways to invite yourself into the practice of rest and renewal. To further support you, reflect on Louise Vallace’ s perspective of rest as you transform your mindset,“ Rest is not laziness. It is a crucial part of the cycle of life, a period of renewal that prepares us for what’ s ahead.”

Here are five nurturing ways to give yourself permission to rest and renew:

Bring your awareness to the present moment with curiosity, compassion, and non-judgement.

Mindfully spend time observing the world around you without needing anything to be different. Use your senses to engage with the present moment, noticing what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Allow yourself to rest in the present moment, reconnect with yourself, and feel the sense of renewal that blossoms from taking a few minutes of mindful resting.

Give yourself permission to take a short nap when you are tired. Find a comfy place to rest, set a timer for 10 minutes, close your eyes, and let yourself nap.

You do not need to fall asleep for this practice to be beneficial, only to allow your mind, body, and spirit to rest for a few minutes. Taking a short nap can renew your energy, provide a needed break, settle your nervous system, and demonstrate kindness and compassion to yourself.