Sleep more, rest smart! Rest and recovery are quintessential aspects of life, and the broader understanding of their benefits needs to be highlighted so more people can incorporate them into their daily routines. In this article, we’ll cover the necessity of both active and passive recovery.
Active Recovery
The human body thrives on movement, and when we prioritize it, we become the best versions of ourselves. Recovery is often seen as something that follows exercise, but active recovery can be beneficial both after a workout and, surprisingly, after long periods of a sedentary lifestyle. As we transition into a technologically dependent world, the positive aspects of these advancements often overshadow the negative effects they have on our bodies. One major downside is the decline in our physical health caused by prolonged sitting and less movement. The longer you sit, the tighter and weaker your back, hips, shoulders, neck and many other areas become. Like exercise, this change in the body is a form of stress, and active recovery can help. Walking, stretching, biking and playing with your kids are all wonderful ways to engage in active recovery. Active recovery isn’t meant to be strenuous but rather rejuvenating. Active recovery is healthy, it feels good and it’s a MUST. Below are some effective forms of active recovery you can try today:
- Walking/Hiking — Getting outside is undoubtedly needed; Vitamin D, calming views and disconnecting from the fast-paced world are just a few of the benefits of hiking
- Yoga — A phenomenal way to directly combat the woes of a sedentary lifestyle
- Playing with your kids/dog — Movement is beneficial here, but you’re also connecting with loved ones and giving them your undivided attention
Passive Recovery
There are two sides to every coin. While active recovery helps combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, passive recovery aids in helping the body recover after strenuous exercise. It’s true that lifting heavy weights or running long distances can get you in incredible shape, but it’s all maximized with balance. Lifting weights, for example, tears muscles, which require nutrition to rebuild, and, more importantly, sleep is needed to allow the body to repair the damaged muscle and make it stronger. Similarly, running stresses various systems in the body, with the central nervous system being one of the most affected. Without proper rest, you risk injury and fatigue, as these systems don’t have enough time to recover between exercise sessions. It’s important to have days where you focus on rest, whether that means watching your favorite show, enjoying a spa day, meditating, foam rolling or simply spending time with loved ones. One thing to remember on these rest days is to maintain balanced nutrition, ensuring that you get ample nutrients and stay hydrated.
While not a daunting task, recovery can be a challenge with how quickly we are constantly moving. Learn to schedule time for recovery, and you’ll notice the positive impact on your health and life. After that, you won’t be able to envision a life where rest and recovery aren’t a priority.
By: Davon Randolph
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