Rest = Restoration. It makes sense, doesn’t it? While exercise and movement are essential for stimulating circulation and the elimination of toxins, rest and sleep provide an opportunity for the body to cleanse, repair, and rejuvenate on a deep cellular level. Most people in our society are chronically sleep deprived. Use your detoxification program as an opportunity to nourish your body with plenty of healing sleep and rest.

Napping for More Energy

Many people allow themselves the luxury of a nap only if they are sick. But the body has natural cycles of rest and activity, and the desire for a few minutes of rest in the midafternoon seems to be an inherent physiological need. Although most people in our culture fight the desire for rest and even view it as a sign of indolence, in many cultures, a midday siesta is regarded as a necessity.

Herbal BeautyTaking a few minutes out of the day for a nap can be wonderfully restorative. When you stop all activity to close your eyes and rest, both your body and your mind have an opportunity to relax deeply. Taking naps during a detoxification program is especially helpful for maintaining a state of calm and rest that facilitates deep cleansing.

The best time to nap is usually in the mid-afternoon, approximately 8 hours after you arise and 8 hours before you go to bed at night. For most people, this coincides with the time that they naturally feel the desire to nap—somewhere around 3:00 P.M. If you nap too late in the afternoon, you may have difficulty going to sleep at night. Try to cultivate the habit of napping at the same time each day, and for the same length of time. This helps to get your body into a comfortable napping rhythm. When you nap, make yourself as comfortable as possible. Take off your shoes, loosen tight items of clothing, find a comfortable chair or couch, and dim the lights in the room. Even if you don’t sleep, take a few minutes to treat your body and your mind to a deep relaxation exercise. For example, focus on your breathing and progressively relax every muscle in your body, beginning with your toes and moving slowly up through your body to your scalp. For most people, naps of between 15 to 30 minutes are the most refreshing. Upon awakening, take a minute or two to stretch, walk around, and sprits your face with cool water or an aromatherapy toner to help to relieve any feelings of momentary grogginess.

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