In the previous chapter, the power of a good night’s sleep was discussed, but do you also realise that daytime mental rest is also vital to self-nurture? The reference here is not to a siesta or an afternoon rest. It refers to a basic time out, taking a mental vacation, giving your brain a rest, a moving meditation to break away from the stress of time and work pressures.

The truth is, as little as 5 or 10 minutes of mental playtime in a long day’s work can really pay off. It’s comforting and rejuvenating.

For some of you, this may be hard to practice or even understand.

Some of you can even feel that breathing space is for lazy people.

When you’ve lots to do in your life, you can’t afford to waste time sitting back or playing around.

Think again! It’s the other way around. When you don’t take time off to sit back and play, you pay a hidden and often huge price.

By the end of the day, tired out physically and worn out mentally from non-stop effort – there’s an increased chance of getting impatient and irritable with family members.

This negative spillover can cause havoc in your life.

Get wise and practice what the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao advises you to do for some time everyday: “Practice not-doing, and everything will fall into place.”

Reclaim some daily pleasures that have probably fallen by the wayside in your busy life.

Don’t say,"I don’t have time to relax." If you want to enjoy life more fully, the trick is to tune out for some time. You will find the ideas flowing more naturally after a few moments of repose.

Repose does not mean sitting in front of the television. This has become a primary, voracious activity for most people. This activity requires little energy and virtually no imagination.

Ease away from television and concentrate on the simple pleasures that usually pay dividends.

Here’s a list of possibilities:

• Watch a sunrise or a sunset.
• Play a musical instrument (never mind if the neighbours protest).
• Play cards or tackle a crossword puzzle.
• Take to gardening or take a nature hike.
• Run on the beach, throw a Frisbee, or play hide and seek with children.
• Watch a movie. Sit with family and exchange stories.
• Listen to your favourite songs. Sing along loudly.
• Sit down with your parents or elderly neighbours and learn about their past.
• Arrange flowers or treat your family to your favourite recipe.
• Play a board game. Have fun with it.
• Sit down with a juicy book and get lost in it.
• Take a night stroll with your partner and watch the stars come out.
• Most important–write down your innermost thoughts and dreams in a private journal.

The only requirement is that whatever activity you decide to indulge in, it must give your heart and spirits a boost. When that happens, you’ll not only feel rejuvenated but will have given yourself and your loved ones a chance to engage more deeply in life.

Shake free of the mindset of exhaustion. Take some time out every day to shift yourself – as completely and deeply as you can – out of the rat race for at least ten minutes and immerse yourself in an activity that you enjoy and is close at hand. Feel the difference.