By: Kimberly Kubicke, Ayurvedic Educator, Consultant, & Health Coach, Indra Holistic Health
This quote by Ovid feels poignant right now. I am finding my body is craving rest and stillness. And what if that rest isn’t necessarily to fuel future productivity (a bountiful crop), but to digest, integrate, and replenish from what has already been consumed or produced? Did you know that before Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, the average night of sleep was ten hours long? TEN HOURS…can you imagine getting that every night?
Why Rest Is Crucial for Health in an Overworked Society
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how Western culture is unsustainable. And how that affects our bodies, our minds, our spirits…It seems to me that the root cause of so many imbalances is that we are being asked to do too much. It’s not just that as individuals we’re overcommitting ourselves. Existing in modern-day society seems to demand it. We can’t possibly do enough yoga or self-oil massage or eat enough root vegetables to fix it. This cultural obsession with productivity needs to shift. Our individual bodies and the collective body (earth) can’t sustain this.
I find myself contemplating how I – as a health care practitioner – can address this societal sickness in an effective way. It seems that the forces of nature will ultimately prevail, potentially through continued crisis and calamity for humans. While I know in my bones that a collective shift is needed, I was recently inspired by this quote by Audre Lorde:
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
I’m not a fan of war, but this is the kind of nonviolent resistance I can get behind. And so let’s rest for the sake of resting. Because we deserve it. Because too much is being asked of us. Because it would probably support life on Earth if we spent more time sleeping and less time producing and consuming. And if there’s a bountiful crop because of it, great. And if there’s not and we just feel rejuvenated, also great.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, quality sleep is essential for optimal health. Sleep supports digestion, immunity, energy, and mental clarity. These cold dark months are when our bodies replenish their stores of yin to carry us through the year ahead. It might be helpful to rest like our lives depend on it. Resting deeply isn’t always easy in our busy world, but these simple adjustments can create a foundation for better sleep…
Simple Ways to Support Restful Sleep
Get the sound sleep you crave with these simple, natural, proven methods to lull your body and mind to sleep:
- Make Your Bedroom a Sanctuary. Avoid working, watching television, or exercising in your bedroom. Devote that space exclusively to sleeping. Ensure the space is dark, quiet, cool, and free from distractions or stressors.
- Create a Nighttime Routine. Train your body to wind down with consistent habits each evening like shutting down electronics by 8 PM.
- Lavender. Take a bath with lavender essential oil and candles, or use a diffuser to fill your space with calming lavender.
- Sip a Relaxing Beverage. A small cup of passionflower tea or warm milk with a few pinches of nutmeg can help relax your body and mind. Enjoy it a few hours before bed to allow the herbs to take effect.
- Massage Your Feet and Head with Oil. Oiling the feet and head is grounding and relaxing. Use sesame, coconut, olive, or an herbal oil blend. Cover your pillow with a towel and wear old socks to keep the oil contained
If this list feels daunting, start with one habit that feels manageable. You can listen to me talk more about these sleep tips here. Work with it for a few weeks, then gradually incorporate more practices.
Take the Next Step Toward Restful Sleep and Vitality
If you’re ready to dive deeper into Ayurveda, my 8-week program offers holistic sleep solutions, stress reduction, and digestive support while fitting into even the busiest schedule. Discover practical tools for lasting wellness, tailored to your body type and lifestyle.
In addition to this 8-week program, learn more about our offerings at Indra Holistic Health including one-on-one consultations, seasonal cleanses, and workshops.
Kimberly is an Ayurvedic educator, consultant, and health coach who helps individuals harness their body’s potential to thrive through Ayurveda, the world’s oldest system of medicine.
Her journey began in 2001 when chronic health struggles led her to discover Ayurveda. With a few small, intentional changes, she experienced profound healing and became passionate about helping others do the same.
A registered Ayurvedic Practitioner, Kimberly has trained with leading experts in Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, and hormonal health. She also has a background in Western herbalism, energy healing, and yoga. Beyond private consultations and workshops, she has played a key role in online Ayurveda certification programs.
Based in New Jersey, Kimberly offers virtual services, making her expertise accessible to clients nationwide.
