Time to be a sloth

For many of us, we prepare for our day’s activities like we’re gearing up for battle. Think of the phrases we use…tackling our to do list; attacking a project; knocking it off the list; kicking ass. We’ll skip lunch and forgo breaks then scarf a sugary coffee or energy bar to get more done. It’s a perfect recipe for burnout, not to mention accidents, mistakes, and a range of health issues. Meanwhile, our bodies are crying out for some much needed rest — or time to be a sloth.

In perfect harmony

Like everything else in nature, our body thrives in balance — including the two sides or our nervous system, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic.

The sympathetic side is part of our fight or flight survival instinct. It governs action and kicks in when we’re in danger or when we’re driving hard to complete all those tasks on the to-do list.

Our parasympathetic side is our “rest and digest” system. It’s also crucial to our survival, but in a different way. It keeps our various bodily functions running smoothly and helps maintain long-term health.

In the animal kingdom, these two systems perform in perfect harmony. Mammals experience cycles of hunt or play then rest and refuel all day long.

How easily we forget

Somehow, we humans forgot we’re mammals, too.

Instead of honoring our body’s natural cycles, we often push ourselves beyond our limits. It’s like being in a constant state of fight or flight, which causes the body to release adrenaline and cortisol. A steady diet of this causes havoc on our nervous system and our entire body.

The statistics are well-known: In the U.S., we’re currently plagued with rampant health issues, from mental health disorders and addiction to chronic pain, obesity, and diabetes. Not to mention loneliness, disconnection, and lack of fulfillment.

Once the proud leader in economic productivity, we now lead the world in mental health issues and chronic diseases.

Clearly, the scales between action and rest are way out of balance.

We are the world

From a metaphysical perspective, this imbalance also blocks us from enjoying the good things in life.

Scientists and spiritual leaders alike teach that we are vibrational beings. We influence our vibrational energy with our thoughts and how we respond through our behavior. If we desire positive experiences, we must become the vibrational match to them.

When we’re kind to ourselves by practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and honoring our needs, we feel better. This positive mindset generates higher vibrations within and around us. According to the law of attraction, like attracts like — positive attracts positive and vice versa.

With great power comes great responsibility, said Voltaire (and more recently Spiderman.)

Our great responsibility, it appears, is to manage our vibrational energy. Not only for ourselves but also for the world around us.

As Ghandi said, we must be the change we wish to see in the world. We can look at this as a call for acts of service, which the world definitely needs. But we can also view it as a call for becoming the vibrational match of what we wish to see in the world.

Permission slip to rest

So, how do we manage our energy better? By making time to be a sloth.

Sadly, after the age of five or so, naps are seen as a guilty pleasure. Fortunately, there are ‘grown up’ versions that give us permission to cozy up on a mat again. These three practices help to restore balance by nurturing our parasympathetic system:

• Restorative yoga: During this practice, we hold comfortable poses (no headstands!) for five minutes or more to induce deep relaxation. I once heard it disparagingly called a ‘big old nap’ like that’s a big old waste of time. Just try it and see how challenging it can be to truly relax.
• Yoga Nidra: This literally translates to ‘yogic sleep’ which shows how different the east and the west view the need for rest. During this practice, we relax on a mat, eyes closed, while the teacher gently guides the mind to focus on various parts of the body. It’s not surprising to hear some snoring, our own or someone else’s.
• Breathwork: We rarely think about our airways during a busy day, unless we can’t catch our breath. Yet the practice of intentionally observing and guiding our breath does wonderful things for body, mind, and soul.

Most yoga studios offer these classes, but there are also lots of free YouTube videos and apps to practice from the comfort of home.

A creative tool

If none of this is convincing enough to prioritize rest, consider this: Studies show that taking time to rest actually increases productivity, creativity, mental clarity, and problem-solving abilities.

In fact, scientists, inventors, artists and other creative souls recognize the power of what’s called the hypnogogic state. This is that hazy, sometimes hallucinogenic period we experience when going from being awake to falling asleep. Sometimes we actually feel the sense of falling and jerk awake. 

In fact, Thomas Edison and Salvador Dali reportedly induced this state by taking naps sitting up while holding an object. When they began to relax, it fell to the floor. Startled by the noise, they’d wake before entering deep sleep. They valued it as a creative ‘sweet spot’ for inspiration. 

We can sometimes experience this hazy state during the restorative practices above. Of course, we may not be looking to solve a complicated scientific theory or paint a masterpiece, but who knows? Maybe there’s a genius inside us that’s just waiting to be discovered.

Or maybe that genius is just crying out for time to be a sloth.

Do you resist rest?

If you resist giving yourself time for rest, you may have trouble setting boundaries. Talking to a life coach can help you get to the bottom of why and clear those blocks. To learn more, visit my website at www.manifestwithmargrita.com or email me at [email protected].