Rest and Revitalize for Optimum Health pt. 2

 

Being successful and resting usually do not go together. It's true that becoming fit and successful involves work. It involves a lot of damn effort, sweat, and determination. But it also involves taking time to rest and relax. To reach your goals, you need adequate rest and recovery. Both hard work and R & R equal success and optimal health.

With all that being said, these periods of rest need to come after long periods of work and dedication. You can't have a cheat meal after 2 days right?!? Success has to be earned.

 

Dangers of over training

 

In our enthusiasm and fear of failure we focus so hard on effort that we overwork ourselves. But this is unwise, because it brings undesirable consequences such as:

 

1. Burnout. It’s why even pro athletes have an off season. If you exercise too much with no breaks, you will likely experience burnout. This tends to apply to all aspects of life. I remember feeling like my mom wanted me to miss her more. I think she didn't realize that you have to be away from people to miss them. I little break or focus off of the goal can actually help you stay in the game longer and avoid burnout.

 

2. Zero Reserves. Overtaxing your body with too much exercise and insufficient rest can lead to injuries. During exercise, your body naturally experiences stress, strain and micro-injuries. When you rest, these micro-injuries heal; this leads to improved strength and greater over-all endurance. But if these micro-injuries do not have a chance to heal before you hit them with more exercise stress, they will give out and possibly succumb to extensive injury. If you pull from the same well over and over without allowing it to refill, eventually it will be empty and you will have nothing. Take your time and allow areas of your life to refill. Don't drain the will to fast.

 

3. Decreased life performance. An overworked and overtaxed body (and mind) simply gets tired. And as you become more and more fatigued, you will become less productive not only in the gym, but also in your other responsibilities as well. Your work, family and social life will suffer if you do not listen to your body and mind and give them some time off. At times it hard to see this one coming, but that’s why I monitor your sleep, water, energy, and stress levels.

 

Rest for success

 

Taking time to relax each day is important, but so is taking a vacation each year. There is nothing like getting away for a while to refresh your mind, body and spirit. An over worked brain and body is not creative. Creativity keeps things fresh and interesting. Being creative helps us self motivate as well because we come up with creative ways to keep pushing.

 

And if you choose to stay home this year on a stay-cation, be sure you really use that vacation time for all it’s worth. You don’t have to leave home to relax, but you may find you have to work at it a little more. Sometimes it is hard to relax when the daily to-do’s are staring you in the face!

Take time to sleep. SLEEP not just relax. Sleep increase longevity and decreases disease.

Reply for more info. Take it easy.