WHY ARE THESE IMPORTANT
At first these may seem obvious, but it is more complicated than it first appears. It all depends on what kind
of person you are, what job you have, your personality types, and whether you are an introvert or extrovert. Everybody needs something different, and you need to figure that out early in life. As a coach, teacher, or parent it is important you figure what your child needs to be mentally and physically healthy. As we move through each type of rest, you will see why we cannot give cookie-cutter prescriptions for happiness and good health.
If you are a martial arts instructor, high level athlete, training hard every day, then a break from training can have huge benefits long-term. It reduces incidence of colds, flues, injuries, boredom, and motivation issues. So, when you work yourself physically every day taking 1-2 weeks off training can help reset and recharge you. It allows you recover and focus on any injuries or strains you might have. If you are a parent, student, young child, or office worker, then it is highly unlikely you need a physical rest. For you, MORE physical activity is the prescription for health. Physical exercise, and martial arts is one of the best forms, is the best thing for building a strong, flexible, and resilient body.
Children do not need sustained breaks from activity. The more the better if it is all done in moderation as a play-based fitness. Tag, hopscotch, dodgeball, martial arts, dance, team sports, walking/hiking – at a child’s level they should be engaged in something physical, every single day, seven days a week! If you have a child on the spectrum or with ADHD this will be your best tool to keep them calm and level. Action Step: find out what you need. Be honest – do you need more physical stimulation (exercise/movement), or do you need a break from it?
Physical Hack: do some light stretching before bed. This aids in muscle health, but also relaxes the body. So light physical activity could be considered an active recovery tool.
For Children: Get your kids moving every single day. If they have not been to martial arts or dance (or some organized activity), then go for a walk with them. As a parent this is YOUR responsibility, not theirs. It is rare for a child to ask to go for a walk when they have TikTok at their fingertips.
Kumar Bandyo