The powers that be have declared today to be both Napping Day and Get Over It Day. Coincidence? Maybe, but they do fit hand in hand. Rest is powerful, not only in rejuvenating our bodies but in healing our minds. Do you ever remember your Mom or Dad consoling you after a rough day by saying, “It’ll be better in the morning.”? A good night’s sleep goes a long way towards changing our outlook on life.
I’m Young! Why Should Rest Matter So Much?
Young folks can get through life with less sleep than their more mature compatriots; however, this does not mean they may not pay a price for their lack of rest. Sleep is when our body heals, and without it, we open ourselves up to all kinds of ailments – not to mention fatigue, lack of mental clarity, and relationship stress. If Eric and I have a fight, lack of rest is usually the underlying culprit – well, that mixed with selfishness. ~wink~
Not only do young people and young couples need rest to stay healthy and happy, but choosing to start good rest habits now will only help you later on when your body demands more sleep. Perhaps at the age of 22, you can play video games, read a good book , or watch television until 3:00am and still make it to work by 8:00am; yet, you won’t always have that much energy. If you continue this habit for a decade or two, it will catch up with you and will be much harder to change. Prioritize rest now and you’re likely to be much healthier and more content in twenty years (which will fly by so much faster than you realize!).
Wave Goodbye to Night Time Arguments
In the early years of our marriage, Eric and I were masters at generating bedtime fights. One of us would say something, the other would get defensive, and then a split second later, a full blown argument was in play. In an attempt to resolve our fight (or in an attempt to win the fight), we would stay up for hours hashing it out. We lost a lot of sleep. Finally, with little to nothing resolved, we would crash. However, after some rest, we usually felt fine. Why were we so angry with each other? We would love to get some of those wasted hours back!
Eric and I both tend to stay up later than we should, and once the body and mind become tired, we are not as able to control our tongues. Where a clear-minded person may think, “That comment will only make matters worse” a tired and exhausted person may think, “He has it coming! I’ll tell him what I really think about <you name the topic>!”
Choosing to go to bed at a decent time is not only the mature route to take, but it is wisdom in action. Sleeping when your body tells you it’s time will safeguard you and your sweetie from scores of late night “discussions” (read: arguments).
Take a Nap and Get Over It
Getting over the little annoyances in our lives is much easier when we’re rested. After a full night’s sleep, or a quality nap, the sounds of children playing and birds chirping are pleasant to me; but, if I’m not well-rested, those same sounds can push me over the edge. I just want quiet!!! Is everyone in the world conspiring to annoy the snot out of me? (I really am quite a treat when I’m tired. ~wink~)
When you find yourself burdened with tons of negativity, ask yourself a few questions:
- How’s my health? Is there something going on with my body that’s causing me to be so edgy, overwhelmed, and grumpy? Am I lacking some specific nutrients in my diet?
- How’s my prayer life? Have I been spending time with the Lord lately?
- Have I been resting enough? Do I need a nap or an earlier bedtime?
- Have I been counting (and/or documenting) my blessings?
- Am I lacking some significant social support in my life? Am I spending enough time with friends and family?
Lacking any of these can cause us to become overwhelmed with poisonous negativity. Changing an established habit is difficult; but, once the new habit is created, you will probably love your better-rested lifestyle, even if you do miss a few reruns or get less play time.
There is definitely a link between negativity and stress and lack of rest. When you feel all tied up inside and ready to fight the world, make room for some added rest. See if that one change makes a huge difference. Proper rest certainly helps me let go of stress and negativity in my life!
Is lack of rest holding you back from getting over some stressors and minor injustices in your life?