So let’s talk about REST… a non-negotiable as far as I’m concerned! Some of us can't nap without falling asleep or immediately feeling guilty for putting our feet up for 5 minutes!

I, however, am a champion napper - I can do my 20 minute power nap and arise like a phoenix to crack on with my day! I have trained myself to nap well!

I think we all have some conditioning that tells us that we need to be productive, busy and achieving something of value, every minute that we are awake. (Do you remember as a child, being told that daydreaming was wasting time?!) I am fighting back from all that out-dated old programming… I find that if I allow little pockets of rest throughout the day, I am more focused, relaxed and take things one step at a time.

I lose the rush rush rush that makes me trip,

break things and make decisions in haste.

I become more slow, steady, mindful and

feel more fulfilled by the end of each day.

If this sounds like just what you need right now, then I have just the thing!! REST MEDICINE - you can't get it from a doctor, but you can learn to administer it to yourself whenever you need it!

I invite you to try a Yoga Nidra at home – all you need is a quiet space – preferably not your bed – headphones, blanket, scarf and pillows or cushions to get super-comfy!

Go to my website for free Yoga Nidra recordings.

Try Insight Timer for hundreds of free Meditations and Yoga Nidras.

My Yoga Nidra training with Karen Brody taught me that rest comes in three phases – first address any physical exhaustion – adrenal fatigue, burn-out, chronic tiredness, lack of refreshing sleep.

Do this first by carving out time for intentional rest – consider when you can take time back from habitual behaviours – the easiest one is notice when you are phone-scrolling or watching something meaningless on TV and take yourself off for a nap instead – feet higher than heart, a scarf over your eyes, a blanket – literally 10 – 15 minutes will be enough.

This is called the Rest Phase.

Then you can dive a bit deeper into emotional exhaustion – people-pleasing, working unpaid hours to keep ahead, strain in relationships – these all take their toll. This is the Release Release Release Phase!

When you make it a habit to slow down, pay attention and unwind the hamster wheel of should and shouldn’ts, over-doing and under-acknowledging, things start to feel more do-able, and you start to prioritise your wellbeing… it makes a difference.

One day you wake up with more energy and lightness and excitement about your life… This is called the Rise Phase!! Now that is worth something.

As Karen says in her book Daring To Rest – “Yoga Nidra combines what I feel are two key components women need in their lives: a well-rested body and a deep connection to one’s soul.”

So, can you begin? Put your phone down and close your eyes – lie down or recline and breathe a few long, slow breaths… as Karen Brody says in her Nidra recordings .. Permission to Rest is granted!!

Listen to Karen’s Yoga Nidras here: https://www.soundstrue.com/pag...

The wonderfully wise Tich Nhat Hahn once said “We only need to be still and things will reveal themselves in the calm water of the heart.”

When you get into the habit of pausing, paying attention to your breath and resting fully – you give yourself space to think – with a clearer mind and to see – with a more intuitive eye.

Rest on my friend – here’s to your whole and restored self.