Make The Most Of Your Rest Days

Rest days are important! It’s not healthy to be pushing yourself 7 days a week, so take a day off exercise at least once a week to allow your muscles and mind to recover, and reduce your chances of overtraining. Taking a day off will help you come back the next day stronger and ready to go! Here are some ways to make the most of your rest days:

1. Don’t set an alarm – Easier said than done. It can actually be hard to find a day where you don’t need to wake up by a certain time to make it to appointments, brunches with friends or work. Once in a while though it’s nice to not set an alarm. If you’re in a routine you will probably find you wake up at a similar time to normal anyway, but if your body needs the rest you will sleep longer. And even if you do wake up at a similar time, a little extra time in bed can be a luxury!
2. Get a massage – What better way to help your muscles relax on rest day than by getting a massage. It will help relieve any tension in your body, but also allow your mind to switch off and unwind.
3. Have a soak – A nice soothing bath with a few drops of essential oils or Epsom salts is a great way to relax! Baths don’t just have to be for little kids!
4. Stretching – If you can’t resist and feel you really want to do something active, commit to doing some stretching or a relaxing type of yoga. This way you are loosening up your muscles but still letting your body recover!

So consider this permission to skip the gym! Rehabilitation is just as important for wellness as diet and exercise so allow yourself a rest day to prevent you from burning out, both physically and mentally. If you’re having a rest day… make the most of it!