January is a Time to Rest

It's a gift to be able to relax. To pause, to listen to quiet, and to be still.

This year every month I will be sharing 'Gifts of Time'. To introduce a new year and the month of January I thought this gift of time was the most appropriate.

'Time to Rest'

When I think about January I think of a few different things. I think about a new year, taking a break to recover after the holidays, and honing in on yourself and who you want to become over the next year. I think about snow, how it's quiet, still, and peaceful. I think about how nature is slumbering during this cold month, from the plants to the animals.

We can learn a lot from nature.

There are many studies out there that suggest when we take time to rest or take a break from anything, that is actually when inspiration can come to us. The calm, the pause, the moments of quiet, give our bodies something else that we need; space for new ideas. Why do you think so many people get their great ideas in the shower? They are relaxed!

What does rest look like for you? Here are some of the ways I find calm moments for myself:

Take a walk
Journal
Read
Drink something warm
Get a message
Watch a sunset
Look at the stars

These aren't anything revolutionary. There isn't going to be some 'new thing' that will magically make you relaxed.

Part of taking time to rest is a choice. A conscious effort to make time for those things that fill your soul with peace. The real question isn't what does rest look like? The real question is this;

When will you choose to make time to rest?

My challenge for you this month is to make time to rest. Create a plan, write it down, put it in your phone, on every planner or schedule you own, and make it happen.

It's a Gift to Rest.