Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji discusses the vital role that rest has in preserving health and lists the four kinds of rest
Sleep is the best form of relaxation, close to meditation, that’s why those who sleep well always keep well and feel well. Hence, not too many people need to be convinced that the body must have proper sleep in order to function properly. However, not many people are aware of the vital role of rest in preserving health. That’s because many people feel that the words — rest and sleep — are synonymous. But actually they are not so. Even though both are vitally important, they definitely are not the same. Because, the condition of sleep exists only when consciousness has ceased, whereas, in case of rest, it is not so.
So, what exactly is rest? In simple words, it is a period of inactivity during which the body can restore expended energy. We've all experienced this. When we are tired and fatigued, and when we take a short nap or some rest, we feel refreshed and invigorated. According to psychiatrists and behavioural scientists, to refresh the human mind and body, four kinds of rest are necessary. First is physical rest, that may be obtained by discontinuing physical activities — sitting or lying down and relaxing. Second is sensory rest which is secured by remaining quiet and by refraining from using the eyes, which curtails a great drain of energy. Third is emotional rest, which is achieved by non-involvement in the ups and downs caused by personal interaction and last is mental rest which is obtained by positive thinking, meditation, and so on. In short, rest is the curtailment of energy expenditure, which permits the body to redirect energies to restoration. It can be used very effectively to rejuvenate ourselves and improve our outlook. For various reasons, our sleep may be inadequate or we may have to be more active physically or mentally during some part of the day. In such situations, we become drowsy, sleepy, restless or down. And to come out of it, we need good rest.
Today's ‘success at any cost’ culture has some people thinking they would rather be caught stealing than caught taking rest. As a result of which they push themselves, though feeling in need of rest, and resort to stimulants like coffee, tea, soft drinks, et al, to jolt themselves up. This practise takes its toll on their physical and mental health and the problem is aggravated rather than solved. Nervous energy is further drained by it, even though the drain may not be evident at that time.
In today's hustle and bustle atmosphere of workaholism and efforts to succeed and get ahead, the body's biological needs are often sacrificed. Under such a scenario,it is far better to take some time to rest quietly, with eyes closed and the body still, so as to perform more efficiently thereafter, than to forget the needed rest and drag through and perform at a greatly reduced productivity level.
Nowadays, many top multinationals, especially abroad, have made separate restrooms for their staff so that they can just go there for a while and just relax to come back and work with more energy. Many medical professionals have also said that napping improves body functions, including digestion. Also, resting at regular intervals prevents excessive fatigue and promotes better and more efficient work. It sharpens the mind and also allows you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly. Resting and napping are not signs of laziness, they are intelligent and productive uses of your time.
Resting the mind is even more important than resting the body. Because a tired mind will not allow the body to take proper sleep. Studies have revealed that regular practise of meditation for even a few minutes in the morning, at bedtime and at convenient intervals during the day would keep the mind constantly relaxed and considerably reduce the quantum and frequency of rest that would be required. So it's better to be wise for our own health and make a habit to rest a bit daily.
