Busy Resting...

Last week, I got hit with some sort of virus.  A cold-y, flu-y thing.  It was one of those sicknesses that wasn't so bad that I couldn't function, so I thought I would do some "busy resting".  You might be familiar with the idea of what I call "busy resting".  It's when you get run down and you feel bad but not bad enough to be bedridden, so you compromise by spending one morning on the couch working, answering emails, and checking your social media feeds.  Busy resting= refusing to give yourselves permission to rest for fear of getting behind on tasks, commitments, and, well, a fear of resting itself.   

I was guilty of this last week.  I spent a morning in bed to "rest" while I wrote a blog post, checked emails, did some research, and did some internet shopping.  Somewhere in the midst of my "functional resting", I realized that I just needed to completely stop and just lie there, breathe, relax, and BE.  Give myself the space to heal.  So I put away my laptop and notebook.  I lay there quietly and did nothing.  I noticed that it was uncomfortable at first, and my mind was still clinging to all the stuff I "should" be doing.  It didn't want to let it all go, even for a little while.  I took a few deep breaths and allowed all the "shoulds" to rest aside for now.  It could wait.  It would all be done.  At that moment, my health and well being were the priority.  And so, for the next few days, I drank hot teas, took hot baths, and minimized my media time.  I slowed down.  I stretched.  I lay down and rested.  And fully restored.  

We find it so hard to take time to completely unplug and just rest.  There are too many things that need our attention.  Too many distractions.  Instead, we try to "push through", and then we wonder why it takes us 3 weeks until we feel well again.  Next time you get run down or start to feel some sickness threatening, take that rest day.  I mean COMPLETE REST.  Unplug from media, cease connecting with the outside world, and tend to yourself with a carer's heart.  Take the time to check in and let your body tell you what it needs.  It knows.  Trust and heed the innate wisdom of your body.  Especially when you're starting to feel run down or unwell.  Listen in and stay true to that innate wisdom. When you do, you'll find that you will bounce back quicker and stronger.  

And while we're talking about sickness (bleh), I wanted to share with you one of my tricks to fending it off during the cold seasons.  It is an essential oil blend called OnGuard by Doterra.  If you have read my posts before, you know that I am a fan of using top quality essential oils as part of my wellness routine. I should qualify here that I do not run a Doterra business, so I am not wearing my "salesman" hat as I write this. 

OnGuard is something that I find really helps me and my family.  It is a potent blend that is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and designed to boost the immune system.  We use it throughout the colder months to prevent colds and viruses.  If one of us does happen to get sick, taking OnGuard helps to reduce the severity of it and shortens the time span of whatever sickness we have.  It really works. 

There are a few ways to use it.  Firstly, you can stir 1-2 drops into a glass of water and drink (this is how we use it).  You can also add 10 drops of it to an aromatherapy diffuser to inhale it through the day.  Or make a natural disenfectant by placing a few drops of OnGuard in a spray bottle filled with water.  Spray on kitchen counters and other surfaces to keep clean and germ-free.     

You can get Doterra oils on Amazon or on the Doterra website.  If you use essential oils regularly, it might be worthwhile signing up to be a Doterra Wellness Advocate.  There is a nominal yearly fee and it gets you wholesale pricing.  This is what I do and I find it's worth it.  

And lastly, as we head into the holiday season, remember to take the time to rest and just be.  Even 5 minutes of down time can be a welcome respite from your daily activities.  How can you fit a bit of rest into your day?  

Be Well!  :-)




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