You can add STRUCTURED RESTS to your days if you are not already doing so. I know how hard it is to make yourself have rests, especially on good days.

But if we can build in a consistent pattern of resting; it can be for just twenty minutes. This is so supportive and restorative for the system.

Structured rests means to lie down four times during the day, each time for around twenty minutes. If you prefer you can do three rests of thirty minutes.

It is important that you lie with your eyes closed and really allow this rest (don’t be on your phone or doing something or planning something!)

It is okay if you fall asleep and have a nap (naps are great). The important thing is to have these rests spread out through the day, and to do them on both good days and on bad days.

We are building up a routine which will have space in it for us to do healing work very gradually. As you make progress with your recovery, you will find you can add a tiny amount of activity over a period of time, and you will be supported by your routine.

We are working on putting in place healthy habits now to strengthen you, and to support that future.

To help you rest you can listen to something that you find restful. You will know if it is restful by the way you feel afterwards.

For example, watching television or reading a book is NOT a rest!

These activities use a huge amount of processing energy by the eyes and the brain and are exhausting.

Some gentle music or some nature sounds may be restful for you. Or simply lying down in a quiet room may be restful for you. You can try different ways of resting and check in with how you feel afterwards. The ideal scenario after a rest is to feel like you had a little sleep.

In my own recovery, I found that sometimes my mind wouldn’t let me rest. It was so full of worries and thoughts, that I had to sit up and write out lists of thoughts first, before lying down again for a rest… so it’s okay to do that too!

I also discovered that I liked to listen to the type of meditations that helped empty my mind.

Here is a link to one of these restful meditations from Mooji for you to try during one of your rests.

And by the way, I think you’re doing brilliantly.

I am really glad that you are here!

If you read this whole page, it’s probably time for a rest – don’t you think?

💗