The average person is always on the go. Once you wake up, you make breakfast, get the kids ready, hit the gym, head to work, make dinner, and then finally, after a long stressful day, you pass out on the couch watching Netflix. It can all be too much! Especially when the workouts being performed at the gym are more intense than usual, the body can begin to show signs of serious fatigue. Many people tend to ignore those signs: extreme soreness, constant thirst, difficulty sleeping, stiffness, and even some loss in appetite!
But no more ignoring! It’s important to rest and give your body the break it needs from all that you put it through day-in day-out. With a proper recovery time period, it will allow the body to heal and generate more muscle mass quickly with less injuries. It could also allow for an extra day to let your body catch up on replenishing nutrients it burned off during your routine.
Not sure how to have a rest day, weekend warrior? Here are some tips to get you on track to reaping those rest day benefits!
- Do some stretching: Whether it be Tia Chi or Yoga, it’s important to loosen up those muscles you’ve over worked and bring some flexibility to your joints.
- Going for a walk: Going for walks has been known to help boost your mood and get a “light” workout in. Studies have shown that spending time in the great outdoors—busy city streets don’t count—may reduce rumination (having repetitive negative thoughts about oneself) and support mental health.
- I.C.E: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate! Especially important for joints and areas that have been injured in the past.
- Drink lots of water: Just because you’re not sweating doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be drinking lots of water!
- Relax and take your mind off stress: Whether it be physical or mental, it’s important to give yourself some time to collect your thoughts and relax a while.
Remember to talk to your doctor before making big lifestyle changes. Be sure to always stay in tune of your body and where the aches and pains lay. If you ever fear that something isn’t write, be sure to call your primary care physician or ER.
