Everyone Needs It
An often overlooked but crucial part of recovery and healing is rest. Rest allows the body time to repair and rebuild between workouts or therapy appointments. This is true for high level, elite athletes, as well as those of us who are… not. No matter who you are or what your goals are, rest is vital for your health and recovery.
Rest comes in many forms, both physical and psychological. These include, but are definitely not limited to, adequate sleep, nutrition, massage, cryotherapy (ice) and recovery tools such as percussion massage and compression boots. Even taking the time to relax and de-stress is a major way to let your body heal and recover.
Sleep
One of the easiest ways to elevate your healing is to get quality sleep every night. Sleep may be one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Sleep allows the body time to recover, repair and replenish stores that were depleted after workouts, injuries, and treatments. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. However, sleep is very individual, so try getting different amounts of sleep to determine what your body needs to recover and have you feeling your best. Here are some tips to getting more quality sleep:
- Try blackout curtains or a sleeping mask to darken your room.
- Avoid eating a large meal just before bedtime.
- Avoid exercising right before going to bed.
- Keep your bedroom cool and comfortable.
- Avoid using your smartphone before bedtime and while in your bed.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bed.
- Stick to a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day/night.
Rest During Treatment
Whether you are recovering from surgery, healing an injury, or just surviving the stresses and troubles of life, make sure you are taking the time to rest. It’s what your body needs. Your therapist may recommend that you rest from certain activities while you are treating the part of your body giving you trouble. It’s important to follow these recommendations and give your body the space and time to heal.
