Active Rest: The What, Why, and How

Written By Emily Bottegal, MS
 
 

The holiday season can be a heavy load for us mentally, physically, financially, etc. 

Whether you have been racing around picking family up from the airport, cooking for 3 days straight, cleaning the house, or packing and traveling - this time of year can lead to exhaustion and feelings of burnout. 

While being with friends and family can be rewarding, it can also be draining.

Instead of laying on the couch to recover whenever you’re feeling drained, try active rest instead.  

What is active rest?

Active rest is the act of engaging in mental or physical activity but in a calmer and more relaxed manner. These types of activities allow your body and mind to recuperate without completely shutting down - making it an easier transition to bounce back to our regular routines.

Why do we need active rest?

Active rest helps us recover and recharge both physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Busy schedules, constant movement, and having to be “on our game” can feel daunting at times.  The holidays can also take us out of our usual routines + healthy habits.  Instead of cutting it out entirely, try doing the task in moderation or with less intensity so you are still staying engaged.  

What are some examples of active rest?

Try engaging in activities that you find restorative.  Instead of pushing yourself to get to a 6:00am bootcamp class, try going on a hike.  Try waking up with your alarm and reading a book in the morning, instead of checking email.  Play a game or do a puzzle with the family instead of watching a movie.

Emily Bottegal, MS

Ensuring students achieve academic, social/emotional, and personal success, Emily has a passion to empower students to succeed in and out of the classroom. Emily coaches from a strength-based approach and believes every individual has the ability to achieve success with the appropriate support and skills in place. She has dedicated her professional life to working with youth in school and community settings. 

Prior to joining the team, Emily worked as a School Site Coordinator and Home-Based Counselor in the Washington, DC area. In these roles, Emily engaged directly with students through individual counseling sessions and small group interventions focused on helping students meet personal goals relating to academics and managing emotions. Her direct experience helped her to understand the challenges individuals face both academically and personally, ultimately leading to her developing lessons around time management, scheduling, study skills, and organization. 

Most recently, Emily worked at a nonprofit, helping secure specialized instruction and support necessary to improve educational outcomes for low-income children with learning disabilities and developmental delays.

Emily has a Master’s degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

http://www.lifesolvedcoaching.com/who-we-are
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