As much as we love to get a good sweat in and challenge ourselves with strenuous workouts, sometimes our bodies really are in need of a deeper break than one rest day can provide. It can be tempting to try to push through when we’re working toward a particular goal, but in the long run, it’s more important to prioritize listening to your body’s needs, even if it means taking a little more time to reach the goals we’ve set.
Here are some signs to look out for that could indicate your body needs some rest from intense workouts (and what to do instead).
Soreness That Lasts Longer Than Usual
It’s normal to feel a bit sore for a couple of days after an intense workout, but if you find that your muscles are feeling sore or hot for longer than is typical for you, this could be a sign that your body needs a break. Try some gentle stretching or even an ice bath to help soothe tired muscles and calm inflammation.
Working Out has Suddenly Become Difficult
That is—more difficult than usual. It’s okay to push yourself a bit during workouts, but if your regular exercise routine has suddenly become much more difficult than usual, your body may be in need of a few days of rest.
Emotional Changes or Feeling Stressed
Physical exhaustion can cause imbalances with certain hormones in our bodies and leave us feeling emotionally depleted. If you’ve been working out a lot and are experiencing unusually low moods, it’s probably time to take some time off. Prioritize getting deep rest through sleep and meditation.
