Your idea of rest might be unplugging from the world and binging Netflix while eating copious amounts of popcorn. While there is nothing wrong with that, there are a lot of ways to rest that are out of the box and can restore more than your body.
One of the best ways to rejuvenate is to be inspired. Being impacted in a positive way can ignite passions, bring back enthusiasm for life, and refresh your weary spirit. Sitting on the couch for a marathon of television won’t likely do that.
Out of the box ways to rest and restore include unique activities that you wouldn’t ordinarily engage in. The freshness and newness of the adventure is part of what makes it so restorative. Here are some tips to find something out of the box.
Do something opposite of your natural tendencies – If you’re an indoors person, get outside. If you work with your brain primarily, do something artistic. If you’re an artist, have an experience that’s structured. The newness and out of the ordinary aspects of your experience can refresh you by offering new and fresh perspectives or activities.
Go on an adventure with people you don’t know – Getting away with people you know is safe and routine. Consider a trip with a group that you don’t know but share a similar purpose or enthusiasm to yours. There are many ways to connect with like-minded people and do some outrageous things. From an archeological dig to a mission trip for peace, there are plenty of causes and interest to be had that can provide connection, rest, and restoration.
Explore a natural wonder – Nothing helps restore and find perspective than realizing you – and your problems – are minor in the bigger scheme of things. Explore a natural wonder – a national park, national monument, or other natural expression of beauty – and reconnect with the world. Hiking a mountain or standing at the top of Hoover Dam can help create some awe and wonder, which is always restorative to weariness.
Have a bucket-list experience – Weariness and boredom can both be resolved through an amazing experience. Engaging in a once-in-a-lifetime experience or checking something off your bucket list can energize and restore. Be purposeful about taking a risk or a leap as often as you can to keep your spirit energized and refreshed. Making experiences as important as making an income can bridge the gap between what you have to do and what you want to do and help make life feel complete.
Rest doesn’t have to be boring. The more excited you are about restoring your energy, the more effective the restoration is. Make rest fun by thinking out of the box and doing something new, fun, and meaningful.
