By Anissa Deol
Exercising is great for the mind and body. We push ourselves to break boundaries and become the best version of ourselves. However, we must take time to take our body for the talent and movement it gives us every day, and that is where recovery comes in.
Recovery is very important for both our minds and bodies. The body takes without asking until you seem to recognize what you need to give. It has an impact on restful sleep, as well as performance concerning the next days of workouts.
If the body does not recover, you will not recover. Recovery helps maintain a regular schedule for us, as busy people, to keep to our normal routine. Without it, there would be no schedule.
Regarding sleep, recovery and sleep go hand-in-hand. If you do not get enough sleep, your recovery is minimal and it affects not only your performance but also your daily tasks as well. It allows your body to take that necessary break and relax when your mind is also in a state of relaxation as well. The body needs enough time to rest, just like we need enough time on a four-page paper due for a class.
Recovery is also being able to take a rest day. However, when I say rest day, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to work out at all. Some of the most talented athletes take rest days that consist of long walks, a light jog, or light strength training. Some people’s rest days will vary, but it is also necessary for most high-performing athletes. The amount of stress the body can take it crazy, but it is limited. One day to ease up on tension and hard-work allows the body to breathe, and the muscles get a little break as well.
For me, my rest days consist of doing a light bike ride, a 30-45 minute yoga class, or even a walk with my dog. I usually take them on Sundays because it gives me time to rejuvenate and allow my body to rest before the long workout I do on Mondays.
As stated before, rest days vary for everyone, but everyone has their own way of taking their necessary recovery. As long as recovery is in the week, and is gained through sleep, you should be feeling rejuvenated and energized every day.
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