Vacation Means “Invest in Rest”
The month of June can be beautiful and joyous. With children and schoolteachers out for the summer and many people taking vacations, June offers most of us the chance to kick back and take some much needed time off. But do we truly take advantage of these opportunities?
Are You Resting Enough?
Recent studies by the Pew Research Center and the Centers for Disease Control show that nearly half of all American workers wake up feeling tired and don’t take enough time off from work, even when they have extra paid vacation time. And even if we close the laptop, turn off notifications, or hit the beach, these joyous occasions can also be stressful, as organizing itineraries, planning meals, traveling, and gathering together can leave us anxious about the future or stuck on the past. So what can we do to feel better and make the most of our time here on earth? Rest more – with tai chi and qigong!
Get All 7 Flavors of Rest
We all know we need to eat a balanced diet, get proper exercise and sleep, and stay hydrated. Yet did you know that we have even more foundational physical needs, including rest? Yes, rest is different from sleep, as our online Tai Chi for Health & Longevity Course teaches, and we need seven different kinds of rest to function optimally. Fortunately, tai chi and qigong can help you get all 7 kinds of rest!
• Physical and Mental rest: Gentle tai chi and qigong exercises restore your energy and give your brain a chance to focus on the present without putting undue pressure on your body. Increased daily rest also improves nightly sleep.
• Emotional and Social rest: Participating in class gives you a chance to step out of the spotlight, process your emotions safely, and get in touch with your inner world. Extroverts get the best of both worlds by practicing together!
• Sensory, Creative, and Spiritual rest: Tai chi provides a break from screens and the pressure to innovate. Instead, you can flow with your instructor and classmates, following ancient rhythms to focus on the beauty of nature and your values. Tai Chi in the Park is especially great for giving your senses a rest AND a treat.
If you’re feeling tired and need a break, invest in your rest by joining one of our programs, including our online membership!
Instructor’s Corner: With this month’s focus on rest, we decided to ask our instructors, “What’s your favorite way to rest?”
Watch this video to see what Li Fu had to say!
What about you? Ask your questions and let us know your answers online! Email questions to Autumn or let us know on social media!
