Radical Rest: The Power of Setting Boundaries and Practicing Stillness

When we think of work-life balance, it’s easy to assume that it requires a lot of money, time, and energy. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Self-care can be a powerful tool in exploring work-life balance, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny. From being outdoors to somatics, hiking to outdoor writing, there are many ways to take care of ourselves and find the confidence to set boundaries and sit with the discomfort of doing so. Softness and self-care are ultimately rooted in empowerment, and it’s important to ask ourselves what we need and makes us feel good so that we don’t have to rely on others.

We often feel a sense of guilt when we take time out for ourselves, but radical rest is an important part of self-care that is rooted in setting boundaries and practicing stillness. This past month, I have been experimenting with approaches to work-life balance, finding the confidence to set boundaries and sit with the discomfort of doing so, and building healthy coping mechanisms into my daily routine.

Somatics

Somatics is a practice that helps to reduce stress and regulate it. It is explorative and creative, and it’s something that I have found to be incredibly beneficial. Somatics is an approach to understanding human behavior and experience that emphasizes the relationship between mind and body. It is a practice that I have been able to incorporate into my daily life.

Activities for Somatic Healing

• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Physical Activity (Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, etc.)
• Bodywork (Massage, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, etc.)
• Breathwork
• Sound Healing
• Art Therapy
• Nature Walks
• Journaling
• Movement Therapy
• Taking a warm bath with essential oils
• Taking a mindful walk in nature
• Practicing mindful breathing exercises
• Engaging in restorative stretches
• Walking
• Riding horses
• Swimming

Outdoors Writing

Another practice that I have been exploring is nature writing. Nature writing helps to connect us to our environment, and it gives us an opportunity to explore our feelings and our relationship with the world around us. Outdoor writing is a great way to express our feelings in a creative and meaningful way.

What is Radical Self-Care?

Radical self-care is an intentional and proactive approach to healing, self-love, and taking care of oneself. It involves setting boundaries, making time for rest, engaging in creative activities, and allowing space for stillness and reflection. Benefits include improved emotional regulation, reduced stress, improved physical health, and improved mental clarity and focus.

Radical self-care is a practice that focuses on meeting our own needs without relying on others. It is a way to experience empowerment. Radical rest and stillness can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost creativity, and provide a sense of balance and calm. It can also help build resilience, providing strength and support to weather life’s ups and downs.

Radical self-care includes activities such as taking a break from social media, setting aside time for relaxation and leisure, and doing things that bring joy, such as listening to music, reading a book, getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in relaxation or creative activities. It also includes engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices, such as reading the Bible or using apps, which can help gain insight into oneself, one’s emotions and relationships, and the world around.

Implementing Radical Rest into Everyday Life

Implementing radical rest into everyday life can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking a few moments to pause, breathe, and reflect can be a simple way to start. Making time for activities that bring joy and connecting with nature can also be beneficial. Nature can provide a sense of perspective and clarity, while taking a break from technology and getting in touch with our senses can be calming.

God calls us to set boundaries, rest, and stillness. It is important to recognize the value of radical rest in order to reduce stress and regulate it. Outdoor writing and somatics are two practices that I have found to be incredibly beneficial for this purpose. Radical self-care is also an important practice, allowing us to meet our own needs without relying on others, while remaining focused on God. Taking time out for ourselves is an essential part of self-care and is necessary for staying healthy and balanced.