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Turns out, many others feel the same way, especially amid the chaos that is our newpandemic world.
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But when it comes to working out,moredefinitely doesnt equalbetter.
In short, rest days are incredibly important.
Rest days arent extra, she explains.
You dont only rest when youre injured; you dont only rest when youre tired.
What exactly is a rest day?
A rest day is simply a day off from your normal exercise routine.
These can be planned or unplanned.
In general, however, more recovery time is necessary after higher-intensity activities, says Brooks.
She also recommends practicingmindfulness meditationfor mental recovery.
Remember that your rest day isyourrest day.
How can you tell you’re gonna wanna take a rest day?
Even if you schedule out your rest days, life sometimes gets in the way.
DOMS typically peaks about 48 hours after your workout, though it can persist longer, explains Brooks.
But you may also just want to take the day off entirelyand thats totally okay too.
You may think working out just challenges your body, but it also taxes your brain.
So if your mind is begging for a break, you should probably listen.
This aversion shes describing is more than an ugh-this-workout-might-be-tough mentality, she explains.
Instead, its severe to the degree that youre really having to push and shove yourself to work out.
A mini reprieve may be just what you should probably reignite your spark.
Some days, a workout just doesnt appeal, even if youknowitll make you feel better.
Dehydration or muscle overuse can cause that muscle cramping, says theMayo Clinictwo potential side effects of intense exercising.
Heres how to knowwhen its safe to get back to exercise after having COVID-19.
You should also back off from exercising if any part of your workout causes significant pain, says Scantlebury.
We all have days where we just feel off, whether thats physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Ask: How am I feeling today?
What is my body telling me?
Use those answers to determine what isreallybest for you.
When your body tells you it needs to rest, it’s probably time to rest, says Baez.
Any notable drop in your baseline set of skills is a sign that your body probably needs to chill.
The best comparison is yourself, says Baez.
Continuing to forge ahead with poor form will only increase your risk of injury.
Reminder: Fitness is an important component of overall healthbut definitely not theonlycomponent.
In that case, take it easy until your RHR drops back to normal, advises Brooks.
Extreme thirst, dark-colored pee, andlow blood pressureare all signs ofdehydration, says Brooks.
Other times, you may need a couple days offor more.
So how can you determine how much rest is enough?
The answer is simple: Listen to your body and your brain.
Rest is undervalued, says Brooks.
