I have a confession to make. Sometimes when I am really tired in the afternoon and I am sure no one is watching - I curl up on the couch and close my eyes for a few minutes. I don’t actually fall asleep, but the simple act of taking a break to rest for a few minutes feels radical and like I am breaking all the rules.
As we limp into the new year, one thing is very clear: we are all exhausted. And though we are a society obsessed with productivity, what we really need most in 2022 is a lot more naps.
Resting, though, feels like it must be earned and nap time seems to be only socially acceptable for children or when we are sick. And yet even when are forced to slow down we may not really know how to rest or we may feel guilty when we do. I can’t be the only one who is haunted by unfinished to-do lists or who felt that their quarantine period was not nearly productive enough.
Rest may feel like a privilege for the few but according to Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, rest and leisure are really a right for us all. And the definition of "rest" (according to Oxford Languages) is literally to “cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.” With the past two years still weighing heavily on all of us, we all could use some time to recover.
Of course, finding the time to do this is easier said than done. Meals can be some of the only moments in our day when we allow ourselves to sit and relax - but even they can be rushed, worked through or skipped.
When we do finally sit down with our family and friends we find that resting also applies to some of our favorite foods. Soups, stews, sauces and curries usually taste better the next day, when time has given the flavors a chance to meld. And delicious things like roast chicken, grilled steak and a bold glass of red can be enjoyed just that much more when they are given the necessary time to rest.
So what food do you think tastes better with some rest and what snacks help you to decompress from a long day? How do you rest? And how do we create a society where resting is not only more acceptable, but accessible to all?
On that note, it may be time for a nap…
Our next Virtual Gathering’s Theme is: Rest
If joining in the evening does not work out for your schedule, consider joining the Community Lunch Pod to take a short break from your day to meet and connect with others. Details below!
When: Thursday, February 10th, at 1:00PM ET / 10:00AM PT OR 8:00PM ET / 5:00PM PT
How: Sign up here. Zoom details will be sent on day of the event.
What: Please join the call with your meal, a snack or beverage and a story about a dish that you love that relates to the theme.
Cost*: $20 to secure your spot (Venmo @communityincontext)
Feeling exhausted at work? You are not the only one. How about bringing a Lunch Pod to your team for a much needed break and to help build some community resilience for the uncertain year ahead?
Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more.