By Marygrace Lomboy, CRNP
Finding time to rest…time for renewal out of our busy lives is essential. I’m writing this post as I’m in the White Mountains, New Hampshire hiking with my family. It’s easy to find rest and relaxation here amongst the crystal clear lake and soaring mountains overhead. What is more difficult is when I get back to reality and find myself going a million miles a minute and at times, not able to catch my breath. I recently purchased a personal wrist fitness tracker to monitor my daily sleep cycles and activity. It was a literal wakeup call when I found just how little sleep I was getting and how little I was moving on a daily basis. We have become an overworked, overstressed and exhausted society. The body needs sleep—the brain needs to regenerate itself. Setting aside a regular time for rest is a practice that has become undervalued and looked upon negatively in today’s culture. Our workplace praises those who work a 60 hour work week. We are obsessed with getting things done as quickly as possible: 15 minute abs, 1 hour photo, 30 minute meals…
This brings me to remembering all of the caregivers who make it a priority to care for their loved one who may be bedridden, dealing with a chronic illness or dealing with end of life. Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding, often with no breaks or help day after day with the potential for sleepless nights. Respite care provided by a professional caregiver or a relative or volunteer often gives the caregiver a well-deserved chance to rest and recharge. I often encourage the caregivers that I encounter to take the help from friends, church groups, volunteers or family members who offer to help. Without rest periods, caregivers may experience increased stress, resentment and depression. Respite will help to have the caregivers renew their energy, avoid isolation and decreased stress.
Rest does require patience and setting aside time for yourself for renewal. It is spiritual as well as physical. It is a mental break. It is looking around and actually taking in your surroundings and becoming present. It is noticing your breath and being kind to yourself.