Emotional rest: as important as physical rest

Emotional rest is necessary precisely because emotional fatigue exists. There are situations in which we maintain a very high emotional tone over time. This causes fatigue that cannot be classified as mental or physical, but has similar effects.

In the world there is more talk about physical or mental fatigue than emotional exhaustion. For this reason, the topic of emotional rest is not familiar to many, who confuse it with intellectual rest or leisure.

Although emotional rest may be easier in these contexts, it also has its own particularities. The most important thing is that Let’s learn to recognize states of emotional fatigue and to identify activities that offer a break in that area.

emotional exhaustion

emotional exhaustion originates in situations associated with feelings and the affections in which there is overstimulation. For example, the loss of a loved one, a divorce, being fired from a job, heartbreak, harassment, or bullyingetc.

The mind and body are involved in this, but the emphasis is concentrated on the emotions. There are also cases in which one or more stimuli They are not so intense, but they are demanding to some extent and last for a long time..

For example, this is what happens with chronic loneliness. Also with any state of sadness, anger, resentment, etc., that continues without finding a resolution. The result in these cases is emotional exhaustion. It is mainly experienced as a lack of energy and motivation.

It is not equivalent to depression, but it can be its prelude. The most important difference is that in emotional fatigue there is no flattening of emotions as such nor that feeling of loss of the meaning of life. What does exist is a feeling of fatigue which tends to make us somewhat apathetic.

emotional rest

Emotional rest is not the same as mental or physical rest. What it is about in this case is reducing the intensity of emotions, even those that may have a positive appearance, such as euphoria. In other words, It is necessary to disconnect, take a parenthesis that allows subjective sensations to be cushioned.. The ways to achieve this can be the following.

Relaxation techniques

Since the mind and emotions are inseparable, relaxation techniques are also recommended in this case. These techniques are aimed, above all, at relaxing the mind. However, doing so also stabilizes emotions.

It is best to use techniques that are not particularly demanding.. Perhaps small deep breathing sessions or a few tai chi practices, or similar exercises, can help a lot.

Some physical activities

Although physical activity is always recommended, if what we are looking for is emotional rest, not all sports or exercises can help us in the same way. The best thing to do is to do practices such as swimming, cycling, jogging or walking at a brisk pace.. Of these, swimming seems especially beneficial.

Nothing better than laughter

If there is something that provides emotional relief, it is laughter.. That is why it is important to look for occasions and situations that make you laugh. A funny movie, funny conversations, some humorous show, etc. Laughter causes an emotional discharge that protects from exhaustion.

let yourself be loved

In conditions of emotional exhaustion, sincere affection is like a balm. Hugging and being hugged, kissing, pampering and everything that comforts helps renew emotional energy. Many times it is just a matter of communicating to others what is happening and allowing them to give us their support and affection, without questioning the way they do it.

Create a space for emotional rest

Any place where you feel safe and where you are able to relax is fine: a desk in your room, a corner in the living room, a garden, whatever. Adjust it to your liking and go to it whenever you need it. Many times, knowing that you have that comfortable corner waiting already helps.

Do useless things

The obsession with productivity or reaching goals ahead of schedule can be very draining.. Thus, it is worth giving space in our lives for “useless” acts, that is, those that are done for pleasure, without any particular purpose.

Play a game, watch a movie without too many pretensions, read a trivia magazine, sleep late or do nothing. All of this contributes to emotional rest.

In the end, The most important thing is to find spaces to let feelings and emotions flow that are different from those that are carried day by day.. Any way that guarantees this can be effective in achieving an emotional rest that renews and balances inside.

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