What to do on a rest day

AD – Gifted | I know to some people the pandemic will have felt like almost every day has been a rest day, but for those who have been working out at home/ going for runs to help structure their days and keep them same during this weird time, the idea of switching off and doing nothing can be a difficult one to process, especially when there’s still nothing to do. But we all know that rest days are important, so here are some examples of what you can do on a rest day during the pandemic.

When it comes to rest days, I have two modes. I either need to be in loungewear or fully dressed up. I can’t be wearing leggings, or anything that looks remotely like activewear. I feel like the second I so much as look at my running shoes, I’m a bit more active than I’m supposed to be on a rest day. So, I need to be the complete opposite, at either end of the spectrum. Whether that’s heels and a full face of makeup, or Netflix and blankets. No prizes for guessing which has been happening more often in the last 12 months.

Nothing

Seriously. Sometimes it’s good to do nothing. Watch Netflix, play with your dog. Fully switch off and don’t work your body or mind too hard.  

Hugo rudely declined my request for a photo for this post. This is the most interaction the little diva would give me. One paw in the frame at a time. You could always nap with your dog if he/ she also wants a rest day. That’s almost every day for mine… 

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Black Loungewear Set – BLACK CONTRAST STITCH CROPPED HOODED LOUNGEWEAR SET – GINNY

Oh and as for the Netflix and blankets? The lining of these contrast stitch sets are so soft they feel like you’re walking around wearing a blanket.

Having said that, I know nothing won’t be an option for a lot of people who like to feel busy and productive, so here are some suggestions for you.  

What To Do On Your Rest Days

Go for a walk

I’ve mentioned before that I hate the phrase active rest. Rest means rest, but it doesn’t have to mean do nothing. There’s a difference between a light paced leisurely walk and a full on hike. A gentle walk that doesn’t get your heart racing can be a great option if you’re the kind of person who needs to do something.

Do your makeup

It sounds daft, but it’s an activity that can take as little or long as you’d like. The vast majority of us haven’t been wearing it daily for a long time. Some people haven’t been bothering at all. I’m sure a lot of us are a little rusty. You could take the time to brush up your skills again, or play around with some ideas for looks when we’re finally out again. And if you’re still not going anywhere for now, it doesn’t matter if you mess up a little…

Pamper yourself

Have the big shower/ bath. You know the one, exfoliating, hair removal, hair mask. The full works. You have a little bit more time than you usually do, treat your body on its day off.  

Cook something 

It doesn’t have to be fancy, but if you’re used to rushing around trying to find the time in the day to do your workouts, you probably throw something together quickly more often than not, especially on a week night. Take the time to make something new, or cook an old favourite dish that takes a bit too long to have regularly. 

 

Work your brain  

Raise your hand if in lockdown one you promised yourself you’d start a tonne of new skills and hobbies, enrolled in several online courses or anything else super productive, and it just didn’t happen. Or maybe it sort of happened, you started everything but didn’t finished, or did this and not that? If you actually did commit to everything you started, congratulations! But if you didn’t, your rest days are a great time to make some progress. You can work your brain doing an activity that you can track your progress on, and get a similar fulfilment that you’d get from your active time, and you don’t have to do anything physically strenuous.  

How do you spend your rest days? Do you fully rest or try to be productive?

Until next time,

Sophie

Loungewear worn in this post was gifted by MREP.

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