Standard thinking used to tell us that we had to push ourselves relentlessly to be in good shape.

But here’s the scoop: We’ve evolved from that, and we know better now.

Rest and recovery are essential to living a truly healthy lifestyle. We all need downtime to recharge and come back stronger than ever. But taking off is only one way.

Rest and recovery should be incorporated into the routines you do.

Have you heard the phrase “active rest” yet?

Now, it’s not as contradictory as it might seem. Active rest simply means incorporating lighter, gentler activities into your routine on “rest days”, between your harder days.

That could mean going for a walk or taking a relaxing swim. These activities keep you moving without too much strain. To maximize these active rest days, do exercises and stretches that rebalance your body from the harder workouts you did before.

If you went for a big hike or run the day before, do some exercises and stretches that balance the chains of your body from your legs, pelvis, and spine.

If you gardened hard the day before, work the chains of your body of your different back muscles and shoulders.etc.

You’re looking for the right balance, the perfect harmony, to optimize your life. Your body is this wonderful gift that allows you to do amazing things. Give “it love” by incorporating active rest into your routine.

Embrace the power of rest and recovery as essential pillars of a healthy lifestyle.