50 ways to radically rest
Engaging in radical rest means intentionally stepping away from the incessant demands of daily life to deeply rejuvenate mentally, physically, and emotionally. Below are 50 ideas that might support your rest practice (, 51, writing lists can be relaxing : )).
Here are 50 ways to immerse oneself in such restoration:
Digital Detox: Take a break from all electronic devices for a day or even a weekend.
Meditation: Begin or end your day with a meditation session.
Deep Sleep: Prioritize 8–10 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Nature Walks: Walk slowly and mindfully in a natural setting.
Warm Baths: Soak in a warm bath infused with calming essential oils.
Yoga: Engage in restorative yoga poses like child’s pose or corpse pose.
Reading: Dive into a comforting book without distractions.
Journaling: Write out your thoughts, concerns, and feelings.
Virtual Reality: engage in mindfulness in VR or other wellness apps for VR.
Gazing: Spend time staring at the clouds, stars, or calming scenery.
Deep Breathing: Practice diaphragmatic breathing.
Floating: Experience sensory deprivation in a floatation tank.
Mindful Eating: Savor each bite, appreciating textures and flavors.
Listen to Music: Immerse yourself in calming and soul-soothing music.
Art: Engage in creative activities like drawing, painting, or crafting with nature.
Mindful Tea/Coffee Ritual: Slowly prepare and savor your drink.
Gardening: Connect with the earth by planting or tending to a garden. Focus on how you can be a steward for the earth.
Therapeutic Massage: Experience a deep tissue or relaxation massage.
Aromatherapy: Use calming scents like lavender or chamomile.
Bird Watching: Sit quietly and observe birds.
Beach Combing: Wander on a beach collecting shells and rocks.
Forest Bathing: Experience the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku.
Gratitude Journal: Write down things you’re grateful for. This can also be a video journal. I like to record short affirmations and send them to family and loved ones.
Candle Gazing: Stare at a candle flame in dim light.
Qi Gong or Tai Chi: Engage in these slow, meditative movements.
Stargazing: Lay down and watch the night sky.
Guided Imagery: Listen to or imagine calming and peaceful scenes.
Warm Drinks: Sip on herbal teas or warm milk before bed.
Blanket Burrito: Wrap yourself tightly in a blanket.
Silent Retreat: Spend a day or more in complete silence.
Sunrise/Sunset Watching: Begin or end your day by watching the sun.
Grounding: Walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand.
Listening to Nature Sounds: Play recordings of rain, waves, or forest ambiance.
Dance: Move your body freely to your favorite tunes.
Pets: Spend quality time cuddling and playing with pets.
Warm Eye Mask: Use a warm eye mask to relax.
Acupuncture: Explore this traditional Chinese relaxation technique.
Daydream: Allow your mind to wander freely.
Declutter: Create a calming environment by decluttering your space.
Positive Affirmations: Recite or listen to positive affirmations.
Labyrinth Walking: Engage in this meditative walking practice.
Visit a Museum (Live or online): Spend time slowly exploring art or history.
Baking/Cooking: Mindfully prepare a favorite dish.
Bubble Baths: Add bubbles to your warm bath for added relaxation.
Listening: Simply listen without the intent to respond. This is a creative way to come back to the present moment — consider some music to support this process.
Crafting: Engage in crafts like knitting or pottery.
Dance: Make movements based on your current embodied experience. Explore these movements, mindfully, without judgment.
Visit a Botanical Garden: Spend time amidst varied flora.
Coloring Books: Use adult coloring books to zone out.
Staycation: As an introvert, my favorite, spend a day or weekend at home, doing nothing productive.
Incorporating radical rest into one’s routine, especially in a world that often values relentless productivity, can be transformative. It not only rejuvenates but also anchors one back to the present moment, providing clarity and balance
