I recently had covid and found it very difficult to rest, so much so, that I actually googled ‘How to rest’! I rediscovered a short TED Talk on the importance of rest, by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine
You can watch it here
There are the seven types of rest that she discusses and I thought about how they could relate to in-person group Pilates classes and my own Pilates practice
Physical Rest: This type of rest involves allowing your body to physically rest and rejuvenate. Pilates is an excellent form of physical rest, as it involves low-impact exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles without putting undue stress on the joints.
Mental Rest: This type of rest involves taking a break from mentally taxing activities, such as work or study. Pilates can help provide mental rest by allowing you to focus solely on the movements and breath, helping to quiet the mind and reduce stress.
Sensory Rest: This type of rest involves giving your senses a break from stimulation. Taking a break from your phone or screen and doing some Pilates can provide sensory rest by creating a calm and peaceful environment that allows you to tune out external distractions and focus on your body.
Creative Rest: This type of rest involves taking a break from creative pursuits to allow your mind to recharge. Pilates can provide creative rest by allowing you to engage in a new physical activity that requires focus and concentration, guided by a teacher who can offer you creative options for each movement.
Emotional Rest: This type of rest involves taking a break from emotional stressors. Pilates can help provide emotional rest by allowing you to release tension and emotions through movement and breath.
Social Rest: This type of rest involves taking a break from social interactions. Pilates can provide social rest by allowing you to engage in physical activity with others without having to engage in social interactions.
Spiritual Rest: This type of rest involves taking a break from spiritual activities. Pilates can provide spiritual rest by allowing you to focus on the mind-body connection and connect with yourself on a deeper level.
Overall, if you find it difficult to rest, Pilates can be an excellent way to incorporate many of these types of rest into your life, allowing you to recharge and rejuvenate both physically and mentally. Why not book a class and get some well-deserved rest?