The Importance of Recovery

How to rest the right way

Resting after intense physical exercise is as important as the experience itself. Without it, you will underperform the next time. It’s easy to ignore this important step when you are younger, but it becomes a vital part of your routine as you age (and want to keep up our physical performance).

Incorporating recovery time into your exercise experience can be a challenge. It requires focus and in some ways extends the physical exercise itself. It can be more important as the exercise itself (especially for active people). It feels nuanced and can be easily ignored, but creating a system that helps your body return to its optimal performance level is an important understanding for anyone who wants to feel and be their best.

So where can you start? What are the most important factors in recovery? Check out our list below!

• Eat the food (or nutrients) that your body needs. Start with whole foods full of protein, antioxidants, and fiber — think avocados, nuts, whole grains and fruits like blueberries.
• Slow down, but don’t stop. This is no time to sit on the couch for a few days. Keep active and move around to keep your body loose. Stretch when you can and don’t stay sitting down for hours on end. Take it slow, maybe a walk instead of a run.
• Hydration is crucial! Water is liquid amazingness for your body. It sounds so cliched but its really important. Don’t gulp it, drink it slowly.
• Sleep is one of the most important factors in the recovery process. Don’t be stingy here, it’s a tune up for your body and allows you to repair tissue. It helps your reset your system so you can wake up feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
• Listen to your body. Be conscious of how you feel vs. how you want to feel. Pushing it too hard when you need rest will only make the recovery process slower. Waiting a few hours (or a few days) might mean being back to normal even sooner.

Taking a moment to slow down might be different or at times uncomfortable, but it’s also a wonderful time to reflect. To spend time with yourself and explore unattended interests — whether that be reading a book, watching a movie or spending times with friends. And when the time is right get back at it with your exercise routine!

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