4 essential ways to rest for perimenopause wellbeing

I have an important announcement. 

We don't actually win prizes for being the busiest. *

And there's never an end to the to-do list.

So if you're waiting until life is less busy to look after yourself, or until all the jobs are ticked off the list, can I suggest you stop, take a breath and find a little time to look after yourself before you burn out. 

Before overwhelm overtakes you. 

And when you're SO busy that it's impossible to work out what 'looking after myself' is, can I suggest you start with rest?

Rest is a brilliant antidote to stress.

We are more stress sensitive in our perimenopause (and pre-menstrual when hormones are low). And stress is not good for body, brain, gut, or overall mental health. 

A little stress is a good thing. It gets things done, gets us to the finish line or onto the plane. 

But ongoing, unrelenting stress does not enhance life. Not now and not in the future. It's not good for our mental or our physical health. 

So. How about resting a little more? I'm talking about 4 different kinds of rest on instagram this week, and you can watch my summary video here  (no need to log in). 

 4 ways in which you might bring in a little more rest

1. Micro rest - a deep breath, a stretch, a gaze out of the window, a mindful sip of a drink, savouring the first mouthful of a meal. 

2. Restorative activity - yin yoga or restorative yoga, a walk in nature, a conversation with a good friend, reading a book or doing something creative.

3. Non-doing time. Space between meetings and actions on your to-do list. Time to gaze out of the window. An afternoon nap. Maybe a meditation or breath work. Time when your busy brain slows down a bit. Great to do just before bed.

4. Deep rest - this can be a good night’s sleep, and making space for that at the weekend - earlier night’s and lazier mornings. It could be a solo trip away to sleep and follow your own schedule. It could be attending a silent retreat, regular yoga nidra sessions, a massage and a spa day might fall under this category. 

For the super busy and anxious mind 1 & 2 are a good place to start. 

So, my question to you, is which of these might you make space for this week? This evening even? 

After a busy weekend in London and a weekend of camping ahead I am focussing on early nights and restful moments during the day this week. 

And some restorative walks and outdoor swims. 

Wishing you a restful week ahead

You deserve it. You really do. 

*I need regular reminders to do this too