For most of the past week, I have been in bed with one of the worst respiratory infections I have had in years. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised - I have asked so much of my body over the past month. I packed in a short holiday, went on hiking trips, travelled for work, and then moved house.
The elevated stress levels related to the move was probably the last straw that collapsed my immune system. My body was depleted and eventually demanded rest. We can either voluntarily rest, or, like me this week, our bodies will demand it for us
It is a timely reminder for me that health is our most precious resource. Without health, we cannot work or play.
At this busy time of year, with many festivities around the holiday season, we often miss what we need so desperately after a long year of labour: rest. We need the magic of the festive season - the food and friends and fun - but it shouldn’t come at the expense of deep rest. We also need downtime to reflect on the past year and find restoration for the year ahead.
My body has already forced me to halt. Best I listen.
I intend to rest. I hope you, too, will take some time to reflect on how you can centre your holiday around rest.
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Kind regards,
Sunél