Rest to Reset: The Busy Person’s Guide to Pausing with Purpose by Suzy Reading

The low-down: Suzy Reading is one of the UK’s leading experts in self-care and the art of building healthy restorative habits. In her latest book, Rest to Reset, she takes a look at modern life and shines a light on the misguided “glorification of busyness”.

“When it comes to rest, we experience not only self-imposed judgement about whether it’s ok but very real societal pressures”, she observes.

She notes that these pressures begin at an early age and that “children are embedded in a system that not only praises but rewards those who don’t take sick days”.

In Rest to Reset, she argues that we need a cultural shift when it comes to rest, which she defines as “any act that brings yourself back into balance, harmony or a state of peace.” Reading offers a fresh approach that views rest as an opportunity to reset – a process that involves noticing our needs and taking restorative or preventative action.

“Don’t wait to hit empty before you act,” she advises, “rest when your early-warning signs give you a nudge or, better still, factor in times to rest in your day.”

Best for: Anyone who is feeling frazzled, fatigued or overwhelmed. This comforting book will give you the permission and the skills to rest and recharge.

Thumbs up: Reading acknowledges that rest is a personal thing, “so the most powerful approach is to build some practical toolkits tailored to your needs and preferences and refer to them in the heat of the moment.” In Rest to Reset, she provides a menu of restorative practices that can be dipped into and combined to help you bring your mind and body back into balance whatever your individual needs and circumstances.

Try this: Use this simple but powerful practice to access calm poise in just a few breaths, sitting at your desk or standing.

MONKEY GRIP MUDRA

Place one hand on top of the other, palms facing each other and then interlock the fingertips. Keeping your shoulders and jaw relaxed and forearms parallel with the floor, try to pull your hands apart. Feel this engage the muscles of your hands, arms and chest and notice how your stomach muscles get involved too – connecting you with your personal power. Hold the mudra for a few breaths, focusing on the strength of your body, then let it go, resting your arms down by your sides, or, if you’re seated, cup your hands in your lap, enjoying the release of this effort. Repeat with the other hand on top and re-enter your day, lead by your calm-abiding centre.

• Rest to Reset by Suzy Reading is published by Aster (£12.99)
• Illustrations copyright © To You From Steph 2023