Did you know that a complete rest can improve mental and physical health by relaxing the body and regenerating the mind? Who among you has not experienced this feeling of guilt at least once in your life, along with the desire to spend the day lying on the sofa. Well, it seems something unachievable in the frenzy of our daily life commitments.
Science tells us that this kind of inactivity may be just what we need to improve our mental and physical well-being. So get ready to let yourself loose in the comfort of your couch, because you'll discover that doing nothing (once in a while) can be the key to optimal wellness.
The scientific reason why rest is so important
The frenetic pace of modern life has taught us to always be on the move, active and engaged in doing something. However, this constant pressure can have negative consequences on our mental and physical health.
One of the main players behind this phenomenon is the stress hormone, cortisol. This compound, produced by the adrenal glands, puts us into a state of readiness known as "fight or flight," which can be useful in emergency situations. But when cortisol is produced in excess due to chronic stress, it can have harmful effects on our body and mind.
More specifically, one of the ways our bodies react to the constant flow of cortisol is through suppression of the immune system. When we are constantly stressed, our immune system can weaken, making us more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
But what is the solution?
Many people tend to underestimate the importance of rest in everyday life. The very concept of doing nothing can seem far from normal in a world that values ??activity and productivity. According to various scientific researches, rest is essential for the regeneration of body and mind.
When we sit on the sofa and give ourselves time to relax, our body enters a state of complete relaxation. During this period of inactivity, the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for "repairing" the body and reducing stress, becomes more active. This means our heart slows, blood pressure drops and our muscles relax, creating an ideal environment for regeneration.
Additionally, rest allows our brain to "reprogram" itself, lowering cortisol levels and increasing the production of neurotransmitters associated with well-being, such as serotonin and oxytocin.
Other practices, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation or even a short walk outside, can help lower cortisol levels in the body, thus affecting overall well-being.
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Source: Grace
