Rest Periods

There is so much information in print and on audio and videocassettes today about rest, relaxation, meditation, stress management, eliminating fatigue through exercise, and other similar subjects that I hesitate to tackle any part of this subject-matter. However, I would like to speak specifically on rest periods, which are indeed necessary to effective time control.

1. Do not tell yourself that you do not have the time or that you will rest later. Take a rest period now, before you tire completely; if you do not, your chest will become tight, and your blood pressure and heart rate will shoot up! Continuing in your present condition will also lead you to fatigue, worry, stress, nervous tension, anxiety, and frustration, and you may do something to yourself or someone else that you will be sorry for later. Surely you deserve at least five minutes for yourself several times throughout each day. Moreover, many studies indicate that frequent rest periods throughout each day improve a person's efficiency and effectiveness levels.
2. Listen to your body, and when something is beginning not to feel right, take stock of yourself. If it is fatigue, worry, stress, and so forth that is bothering you, stop and find a quiet place and rest, or rest where you are. If you are standing, sit down. If you are sitting, tie down. If possible. Get comfortable. Think "ease" and "relaxation." Close your eyes. Clear your mind of clutter. Let a pleasant smile come on your face. Picture yourself beneath a shady green tree, on smooth green grass, on a beautiful warm, sunny day with a rich blue sky. Concentrate on getting this image of yourself into your mind. Begin to breathe a bit more deeply (not too much) and slowly, and count backwards from ten to one with each breath that you exhale, while still faintly keeping the image of the tree, grass, sun, and sky in your mind. Repeat the counting if necessary to regain calmness.
3. Now, with your eyes still closed, silently tell yourself to relax your facial muscles, your eyes, each limb, and the other parts of your body. If you have to, say the word "relax" several times in your mind or even spell the word. (Do not fret about anyone catching you in this phase. You will outlive the person who thinks you have "lost it"!) Begin to feel the pressures dissipating. Allow--or tell--your body to loosen up!
4. Just before leaving your home each morning--or before beginning your work, if you work at home, sit down in a sturdy chair, close your eyes, and tell yourself that you will make time for several rest periods during the day. Also, tell yourself that, by forming this new habit, you will prevent (instead of having to correct) fatigue, worry, stress, nervous tension, anxiety, and frustration. It will only take a minute to give yourself this perspective, and, by George, you will have a minute! Make yourself a sign and stick it somewhere obvious, so you will have a reminder to take this minute.
5. If at all possible, take at least two ten-minute snoozes each day. Examine your daily schedule to determine how you can arrange for a few cat naps--you may surprise yourself and find that you can make the time.
6. After work each day, force yourself to lie down on a sturdy surface, in a quiet place, for fifteen minutes. (If you do not, you will use something or somebody for a scape-goat!) Repeat the relaxation suggestions given earlier, or just doze off. If you are worried about falling asleep for too long and not getting up in time to watch the children or cook dinner, set your alarm clock and free your mind from worry. Let the mind and body work together. When you arise, flick the television on and watch a few minutes of one of the afternoon comedy shows--and laugh!
7. Keep in mind that fatigue, worry, pressure, and so forth result from your mental, emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual attitudes. When these attitudes are negative because of a lack of rest, you strain your mind and body and experience high degrees of stress.
8. Remember that the body can repair itself through rest and that resting can help you control your tensions and stressors and prevent low resistance in mind, body, and spirit.

Rest periods will renew your energy level, help you maintain a balanced perspective on life, and assist you in controlling your attitudes. Do not put off developing a method that works for you. You will be amazed after trying these suggestions a few times that you do feel better and more in control of your life. After some practice, you will also be able to proceed through the exercises more rapidly, because you will have formed a habit. Do remember that you are always going to have things that will get to you. What you are attempting to do through rest periods is not let these things get the best of you.

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