11/11/2005

REST should mean just that - resting mind and body but NOT sleeping. 

However, DON'T OVER-REST - just gently 'potter'.

Do one thing at a time - e.g. don't talk and cook at the same time. Single level mental processing is important so you don't overload the brain.

In the early stages, when trying to stabilise your illness, it may be beneficial for some of your daily rest time to take the form of four half-hour rests of, literally, just sitting quietly, doing nothing. This can be an opportunity to practise relaxation techniques.

As you begin to move forward, these longer rest periods will decrease as your mental and physical activity periods increase.

DO NOT do anything which you know causes you stress.