330: The Rest vs. Restoration Experiment

In this episode, we’re doing a deep dive into the subject of “Rest and Restoration.”  As in… “How can you feel more rested?” And, more importantly, “How do we move past rest into full restoration?”  We’re talking specific ways to help YOU find the right mix of strategies and activities that work for you.  So you can feel more rested and restored… more often.  That means your energy levels and your “inner gas gauge” can be FULL more often!  You can be your best self… more loving… more present… more kind… more fun… and be all those things more often.  As you know… this is wildly important.  And… true confession… it’s been easy to let my gauge get dangerously close to “E” lately.  Can you identify?  I bet you can relate… because it’s been this way for a lot of people that I’ve been talking to.  So, I thought it was time for us to dig into this… and get us specific strategies (big and small) to help you feel more rested and restored.  So, invite a friend and let’s get to some experimenting!!! 

RESOURCES:

Here’s a few of the studies and articles I mention in the episode:

The “Awe Walk” Study from Virginia Sturn: Click here

The 7 Types of Rest from Inc.: Click here

Why it takes 60 days to create a new habit: click here.

Dream Think Do Episodes Referenced:

330 Episodes at a Glance: Click here

Hiro’s Journey (so far) - What  a Puppy’s been teaching me about pursuing dreams and living life: Click here

Being Fully Present and Cultivating “AWE” Click here

Let’s Connect!

I’m always asking for YOUR input for Dream Think Do episodes, especially on Facebook.

In fact, here’s the post that kicked things off on FB: https://mitchmatthews.com/330

MORE ABOUT THE EPISODE:

This week, we’re diving into specific strategies to help you move to “RESTORATIVE Rest” more often.  

Rest vs. Restoration:

Rest: “To cease work or movement in order to relax or refresh oneself.”

Restoration: “The act of restoring. A return of something to its former or unimpaired condition.”

Dr. Caroline Leaf does a deep dive on this subject.  You can check it out here: Click here

What do YOU think?  Are rest and restoration different things?  Can one exist without the other?  Does it matter?  

60 Days to Create a New Habit:

Some say it takes 21 days… others 28.  But science-backed research shows it takes 60.  Want to learn more on the WHY and the HOW… click here.

BEST MIND vs. ANXIOUS MIND:

Like I said in the episode… I’m working on being intentional about trying to be in my “Best Mind” more often and my “Anxious Mind” less and less.  Your “Best Mind” intentionally focuses on things like gratitude, hope, love, strength, generosity and kindness… as a result… our ability to love and serve goes up… our innovative and creative thinking go up… our ability to be in the moment and fully present are much easier.  BUT we have to be intentional about being in that state… right?

What are some ways that you’ve found to stay in your “Best Mind?”  Small things?  Big things?  Let’s keep the “experiments” and the idea share going.  Comment and let me know below! 

Creating Guilt-free “White Space” in your Calendar:

White Space is dedicated time (preferably scheduled into your calendar in advance).  The intent is to allow (and sometimes force) guilt free time for you to take a breath, look at things from a different perspective, reflect, relax, and refuel.  It doesn’t need to take hours.  In fact, intentionally taking 15 minutes… a few times a day… can make all the difference.   

If you’re looking for additional reasons WHY to do it… and some specific strategies for HOW to do it… you can click here.

I’m curious.  What works for you when it comes to creating a few windows of “White Space?” Does it make a difference?  Does it help you? How do you get it done?

7 Types of Rest:

Saundra Dalton-Smith writes that too many people think that rest is limited to the amount of sleep we get.  But, she says, "In reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need." In her TED article, she points to seven types of rest that are essential for us to thrive. 

1. Physical rest 2. Mental rest  3. Sensory rest 4. Creative rest  5. Emotional rest  6. Social rest  7. Spiritual rest 

What do you think?  Do you agree?  Which of these are easiest for you?  Which are the most difficult?  Which are the most important?  Comment below and let me know what you think!

For me… they’re all important BUT I probably forget about the “Sensory Rest” most.  Because I do a LOT of my work in front of a computer… it’s easy to forget about the importance of shutting things OFF and chilling out without electronics.  Yup… just being honest.  That’s why those “awe” walks have been so important lately.  How about you?

Listener Lightning Round Ideas:

Here’s some awesome ideas from other Dream Think Doers!

1. Intentional Breathing Exercises  2. Getting out into nature (even for 15 minutes) 3. A 30 minute bath  4. Noise-cancelling headphones + Dark Space + favorite tunes 5. Making sure you’re getting enough sleep 6. A good 15 minute “Power Nap” in the middle of the day 7. And Beth’s “I’d never say no to a taco in a quiet car!”  Amen sista. Amen.

What would YOU add to this list of favorite ways to rest and restore? Comment and let’s keep sharing the ideas!

NEXT STEPS:

So, here’s the “Experiment” if you choose to join me.  (And I hope you do!)

Over the next 60 days, let’s do something small but significant each day to rest and/or restore.

And let’s get specific:

• Pick a day you want to start
• Invite a friend (or two) to join you
• Experiment with different strategies to find the right “mix” for you
• Share with your friends what’s working and what’s not (and encourage each other to learn and adjust as you go)
• Leave a comment below and let us know how it’s going!
• And of course… check out some of the other Dream Think Do Episodes to keep you on track!

I can’t wait to see what the next 60 days (and beyond) will do for all of us!

Who’s in?  Let me know in the comments below and/or on social media.

Let’s do this!

INSERT EPISODE MINUTE BY MINUTE HERE:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 2:40 Episode starts
• 3:13 The need for rest is real
• 10:00 How to rest and restore everyday
• 17:50 Working on the micro habits
• 21:10 Moving into the best part of your mind
• 28:08 The power of awe
• 37:50 The 7 types of rest
• 46:00 What to expect over the next few weeks