resting is a skill!

Something I wanted to reflect on is how I am approaching rest these days. I've never been taught how to properly "rest," and I’m realizing that it looks different for everyone. For many years, I thought resting meant mainly sleeping or simply “doing nothing”—mindless activities like scrolling. But since I’ve been on winter break and things have slowed down, I’m starting to learn how to slow down properly to prevent burnout, which has always been my main goal as a musician.

For me, slowing down means doing things that give me energy, reconnecting with my hobbies, and engaging in mindful practices that help me connect to my body, spirit, and mind. This can include yoga, journaling, playing video games, sketching, trying new foods, taking a walk in the park, going on a drive downtown, visiting the library, cooking instead of eating out, reading, or watching my favorite movie trilogy (The Maze Runner!!), all while balancing a consistent practice schedule—just 2 hours max.

All of these things have been giving me so much energy. I’m learning that feeling joy is a right, resting is a right, and being in control of this really fills me up. Doomscrolling drains me, and feeling stiff isn’t fun. Being connected to all parts of myself makes me feel human again after a crazy semester and application season.