Active Recovery

In the article, “Why Science Says You Should Take More Rest Days,” Lauren Bedosky explains that many times when we work out and exercise, we don’t benefit because we don’t give our bodies time to recover from the inflammatory response (Lauren Bedosky, “Why Science Says You Should Take More Rest Days,” NBC News, November 21, 2017). Bedosky recommends “active” recovery days, full of stretching instead of weightlifting. These recovery days are similar to taking Sabbath from working, while still leaving room to hang out or run errands. When we aren’t consumed with the direct responsibilities of our jobs, we are free to spend time with friends and family, to spend time in prayer or helping others. Keeping Sabbath or having it won’t keep you from being productive, but the “active” rest allows other opportunities in life to become priority.