Carve Out Me-Time to Get the Rest You Need

Ever feel like you're too busy, rush from one thing to the next, or always have a long list of other people's needs and wants to deal with? It happens at home. It happens at work. And it happens when you're part of any kind of group, team, or organization. And it can leave you feeling tired, weary, and worn out. Sound familiar?

The best way to recharge your batteries is to carve out some me time to do something restful, something you can do alone. The Rest Test survey collected data from 18,000 people in 134 different countries, and despite economic and social differences, 68.4 percent of the people who responded said they would like more rest.

What about you? Could you use a little more me-time and a little more rest? Taking time out to work on yourself, clear your mind, relax, and engage in activities that improve your mood can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.

So what are some things you can do to get more rest? The top 10 most restful activities, according to The Rest Test include:

1. Reading
2. Spending time in nature
3. Being alone
4. Listening to music
5. Doing nothing in particular
6. Going for a walk
7. Daydreaming
8. Watching TV
9. Meditating or practicing mindfulness
10. Being with animals

Also on the list of restful activities: spending time with family and friends, drinking tea or coffee (why not have a bite to eat with your favorite drink), creating art, and gardening.

People reported feeling happier and more satisfied with their life when they consistently made time for restful activities, according to the survey results. You might not have four or five hours a day to spend on restful activities, but even making time for 15 minutes a day to rest and be alone can make a difference.