Mental Recovery is Just as Important as Physical Recovery

Now that I am training for a few races this fall, I am running 4 days (soon to be 5) and strength training 2 days a week. That leaves me with one really treasured, much anticipated day of rest. I pick Sundays as my day to recover because I do my long runs on Saturdays. Also, Sundays are a great day to hang in my pj’s a little longer, sip my coffee a little slower, happily eat a big breakfast, indulge in something sweet and do the things I enjoy before rushing out the door… like every other morning of my week.

Mental recovery is just as important as physical recovery. When you are training for an event, preventing burnout is a real goal; same as building your mileage. For me, relaxing on a Sunday morning is a great way to reflect on the busy week, reset and prepare for the week ahead.

While my legs are resting on Sundays, my brain is recharging. As someone who is asking a lot of her body throughout the week, self-care is key for my mind. Doing things I enjoy on my rest days are good for my mind, body and soul. So what are some of those things?

If I am going to take the morning off, I really want to do it right. And it starts with my favorite pajamas. These are my special, Sunday morning pj’s. I save them for the day that I get to stay in them the longest. As cheesy as it sounds, these pj’s are my treat and add to the luxury and indulgence of my Sunday mornings.

These pajamas aren’t just beautiful on the eyes. Yes, I love the bright coral colors and the charming prints. I love the feminine flutter sleeve on the short set and the henley button detail on the pant set. But these pj’s are seriously the softest article of clothing that I own. They are made of Peruvian Pima cotton. That is the same fabric of the baby onesies that I used to buy for my newborns. Back then, I would wish that I could put something so soft on my own body. And now I can. And I love it.

The pajamas are from the new, local Wear For Good brand that designs clothes with a purpose. Each product raises money for a local charity. You may recall those adorable sun shirts that me and my kids were living in this summer (and that I am still wearing when I run this fall). These pajamas are Wear For Good’s latest loungewear addition. The two designs that I own help support the Stroud Water Research Center that focuses on preserving and protecting our local fresh water. I actually visited Stroud in 2019 with my daughter’s 4th grade class and was so impressed by their work. The kids (and lucky parent chaperones) learned so much about our local watershed that day. I can feel good about purchasing such a luxurious product for myself, knowing that my purchase will help a valuable local organization, like Stroud.

My coffee time is always sacred. I get up really early during the week just so I can have my quiet mornings alone with my cup of Joe. On Sundays, I get to enjoy it in bed (and not at 5 am), snuggling with my little ones. I seem to save my favorite coffee mugs for Sunday mornings too (like this one and this one). It’s the little things.

Throughout the week, I will eat most meals on the go. I know it’s not good, but its just the reality of my life right now. But on Sunday mornings, I like to make a big ‘ol breakfast. Lately, I have been enjoying pancakes. I love the Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain or Grain Free pancake mix. Sometimes I add blueberries to the batter (and to my syrup on the stove for the most incredible blueberry syrup). Other times, I will just add whatever fruit is left in my fridge by the end of the week.

I am not one to deny myself. I don’t believe that diets work long term. I will indulge when the opportunity presents itself but I do find that those opportunities are more plentiful on the weekends. Whether it’s out to dinner with my husband or enjoying a game day spread on Sunday, I tend to enjoy more sweets and treats on the weekends.

I do all of my writing in the morning hours (usually between 4:30 am and 7:00 am during the week), so on Sunday mornings, I love to sit and write without being cut off because it’s time to get the kids ready for school. I wish I could say that I also get to enjoy a book or two but reading for pleasure is just not in the cards for me now. It’s all good because writing for this blog and sharing information gives me pleasure. I look forward to doing it on Sunday mornings… in my comfy pj’s… just sitting and enjoying my favorite day of the week.

I’d love to hear what self-care means to you. Comment below and tell me how you treat yourself to a little recovery time from whatever it is that you do!

*This article is a paid-for promotion. But don’t fret, I only write about products that I genuinely use and love. This will never change!