Seven Types of Rest
Consider consciously implementing more rest in your life
1. Physical Rest
We need both passive and active physical rest. Passive physical rest means getting good sleep and napping when needed. Active physical rest means doing restorative activities such as meditation, yoga, massage therapy and other forms of bodywork.
2. Mental Rest
Mental burn-out is just as real as physical burn-out. Our mind needs to unplug, detach, and allow time to process information, make connections, and create memories. Over working or hyper-focusing for too long on one task can lead to poor memory, lack of creativity, and unproductive rumination.
3. Sensory Rest
It is challenging to create this type of rest in our society today. With bright lights, computer screens, scrolling through your social media on your phone, Zoom calls, emails, raising kids, and living in or near big cities, we are overwhelmed with sensory input to our nervous system. Consider unplugging your electronics at the end of each day. Consider turning your phone on silent for several hour in the middle of the day. Consider earlier bedtimes for everyone in your household so you have adequate time to wind down at night. Or, simply close your eyes for 1 minute in the middle of your busy work day.
4. Creative Rest
Similar to mental rest, this type of rest involves unplugging from the day-to-day routine and allowing time to appreciate the arts, work on a creative project or be inspired by nature. Creative rest should awaken the sense of awe, wonder or inspiration. Take time to paint, draw, bead, travel, be in nature, go to a museum, attend an art show or a play, post your favorite pictures, seek out things that inspire you.
5. Social Rest
For many people it is hard to carve out space and time where they can be alone. Social rest involves building a relationship with yourself in solitude without distractions of others. Commit to reading several hours a week without distraction, journaling, or doing any activity by yourself where you can avoid people that you know.
6. Emotional Rest
Many people experience emotional exhaustion after arguments with a spouse, disagreements with family members or friends or co-workers, or the death of a loved one. During stressful times it can be difficult to hold space for other’s emotional struggles. Feeling emotionally taxed can manifest as physical tiredness, lack of motivation, even depression. It is important to give yourself time, space and resources such as counseling or therapy to help support your emotional wellness.
