First is energy. One downside to the abundance of nutrition info we’re fed is that we can easily forget food’s most basic function:  to simply provide us with energy. It does so by chemically supporting all of our body’s processes.  Things like low blood sugar or inadequate fat intake can leave us lethargic and fatigued. Likewise eating past fullness can deplete energy as the body has to work overtime to digest large meals.
 
Rest also provides energy but through a different mechanism. When we allow our bodies to cease activity they immediately begin to repair and restore themselves. Much like a battery removed from a toy and placed on a charger. In the absence of enough rest we can turn to food or caffeine to try and correct the imbalance. When we ignore the need for rest we may crave sweets as our body seeks a quick energy fix. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some fun foods, depending on them for energy can lead to chronic health conditions like diabetes. This cycle can also perpetuate distrust in our bodies and intuitive eating as we mistakenly believe our bodies are “out to get us” for wanting sweets. 

Second, consider the practice of simply listening to your body’s needs. Ignoring the need for rest is as common in our culture as ignoring hunger cues. In fact both are encouraged and admired. They show discipline and drive. We show we are committed to school, work, family, etc. by burning the midnight oil or putting off our body’s need for food. It’s ridiculous when you really think about it! It helps no one, especially your own body which you alone are responsible for. Ignoring our body’s cues for rest teaches us to also ignore other physical cues like hunger and fullness.

This week I encourage you to notice when you body needs a break and honor it. 

Tips for helping your body recharge:
- Take a cat nap! Instead of a coffee break, close the office door and rest seated for 10 minutes with your eyes closed. Take 3 deep breaths going in and coming out. Set an alarm on your phone so you don’t have to worry about waking up. Stand and stretch tall when you’re done.
- Take a mindfulness break. You don’t have to sleep to rest and what often needs rested is our mind. Take 5-10 minutes to practice “dirgha breath,” the 3-part yogic breath. Sit in a chair, back supported and feet on the ground. Close your eyes or gaze to the floor focusing on just your breath. Fill your belly, lower lungs and upper lungs as you breathe in and notice the reversal of that action on the exhalation. Again, stand and stretch after or take a seated forward bend to stretch your back.
- Try restorative yoga or a yoga nidra session. These methods of yoga focus on deep relaxation and can be more rejuvenating than a great night’s sleep. Check your local studio for classes, explore some CDs/DVDs or follow this link to a great on-line restorative class through through Kripalu.

Happy resting!

Julie Norman, nicknamed "The Body Image Guru" by clients, guides women to live authentically healthy lives through peaceful body image, intuitive eating and mindful movement. She blends professional nutrition guidance with the wisdom of yoga to help women transform the ways in which they care for and experience their bodies. She maintains a private practice, REAL Nutrition, LLC, and is the creator of Body Karma Healing, a yoga-based program intended to help women transform body image from painful to peaceful. Julie believes healing individual body image pain helps us heal the world! Get started with her guiding DVD.