REST

I cannot emphasize enough how important a proper amount of rest is, not just for those battling disease but for everyone. Recent studies have indicated that those who do not get enough sleep may have problems with weight gain as well. Ugh – who needs that?

 

As I mentioned earlier, when I quit work, it took me about 7 months of sleeping 12 hours each night to catch up on my sleep deficit. I had no idea how really exhausted I was!

 

Now, I try to be careful to get a full night’s sleep every night. For me, that means at least 8 hours, sometimes more is better.

 

One thing I learned is that it’s really bad for me to sleep on my stomach – something I had done for my whole life up until this last year, or so. I have also noticed that a decent pillow really matters. I can always tell I need a new pillow when I start waking up with a splitting headache, shoulder, neck or back aches, etc. and there’s no other reason for it. I just experienced this again and bought a new pillow and finally slept well. (I waited way too long to fix the pillow!)

 

Everyone has their personal preferences in pillows, but I found I need one that falls along the lines of the story of the three bears. In other words, mine can’t be too hard or too soft, but needs to be just right! I need to be able to scrunch my pillow up under my head, yet have it provide adequate support for my neck. I have noticed over the years that a down pillow, or a good down-alternative pillow, gives me that “just right” experience. I cannot go too long without the right pillow, before I experience terrible back and neck problems.

 

My advice: find the right pillow for YOU and you’ll be glad you did!

 

Job 14:6 “Look away from him that he may rest, till like a hired man he finishes his day.”

Proverbs 3:24 “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.”