September reset: Why now is the time for a micro-rest
Posted by Claire Hewitt, on September 10, 2025. Tags: Health benefits, Wellbeing
Estimated reading time: 5 minute(s)
After the lazy, hazy days of summer, September, with its invigorating ‘back-to-school’ vibe feels like a time we should be hitting the ground running. It’s a new season full of energy and no excuses not to get things done. But before you get straight back to the daily grind, we’d like to suggest something…make micro-rests your new season habit.
Because we’re guessing that even if you did manage to squeeze in a holiday or mini break here and there, your summer still involved the work/childcare/social calendar juggle. Even holidays can be hard work sometimes! Jumping straight into September with the feeling we should be ‘cracking on’ with it doesn’t really allow you any time to rest and recharge much at all. Now is the perfect moment take a little time out for yourself so you can start the new season properly rejuvenated.
Science says that you don’t have to meditate for hours or save R&R for your fortnight-long holiday: taking little breaks throughout your day can be highly effective. According to a study by New York University, brief, daily meditation practice enhanced attention, memory and mood more effectively over eight weeks compared to four. You don’t have to be an expert in meditation; there are many ways you can achieve similar results – try one of these four ways to grab a micro-rest…
Skychology
Think staring at the sky is a waste of time? Think again. Researchers have found that the simple act of gazing up to the heavens, watching the clouds float by, can have a powerful impact on your mood. This is known as ‘skychology’, a wellbeing practice devised by coaching psychologist Paul Conway. He found that sky gazing for just 60 seconds was enough to achieve clarity and perspective, evoke feelings of awe (a complex emotion said to promote generosity and humility), and is instantly calming. Find a comfortable place to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, with as wide a view of the sky as possible (sitting outside is best but you can also do this looking out of the window). Then simply breath deeply while you observe the sky, pondering its expansiveness, appreciating the cloud formations and watching birds fly by…
Yoga nidra
Imagine being able to have a little sleep, without actually being asleep. The practice of yoga nidra – also known as yogic sleep – could help you get there. This yogic technique promotes a deep state of conscious relaxation that verges on sleep, without you completely nodding off. To practice yoga nidra, lie down somewhere quiet and comfortable and listen to a guided meditation. The Yoga Nidra Network has hundreds of free audio guides to listen to, some just a few minutes long – browse the library here
Forest bathing
No water required, but this form of bathing is more than just a walk in the woods. Originating in Japan in response to an increasingly urbanised lifestyle, forest bathing (or ‘shinrin-yoku’) means strolling through a woodland environment while consciously observing the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. There is a wealth of research that links exposure to green spaces (such as woods, parks and gardens) with positive health benefits including reduced stress, better sleep and improved mood. Take a 15-minute stroll through your local woodland and do the ‘Five Senses exercise’: note five things you see; four things you hear; three things you feel; two things you smell; and one thing you can taste (if no blackberries are around, a lick of your own hand will have to do!).
Niksen
The Dutch have elevated the art of doing nothing into a wellbeing habit. ‘Niksen’ literally means to do nothing, be idle or do something of no purpose – it’s not a guided meditation (too intentional) but a chance to let your mind simply wander or your fingers fidget with no intended outcome. Fans of niksen say that taking these little ‘brain breaks’ when your mind isn’t required to ‘do’ anything and can simply ‘be’, can not only reduce stress and aid relaxation, but can also boost creativity. How many times have you had a ‘eureka’ moment or solved a problem while you’re in the shower or doing mundane chores?
But doing housework isn’t niksen. Instead, take five minutes to idle: either watch rain falling on your window; doodle or fidget with a ball of modelling clay; gaze at your potted plants…remember not to think about anything too much, just be in the moment.
Shop our comfort bras – perfect for micro-rests…
With super soft fabrics and no underwire, our comfort bras can support you through work, (micro) rest and play all day. Try:
Maisie
Our best-seller for a reason, this stylish wirefree bra features beautiful satin detailing and comes in five versatile colours.
Comfi-Bra
This front-fastening bra features lightly padded straps and is made from high-quality breathable cotton with a slight stretch for superb fit and comfort.
Mia
Made with soft organic cotton and featuring no fastenings or components to ensure exceptional comfort, this is Royce’s ultimate lounge bra for fuller cups.
