Seven Types of Rest

Consider consciously implementing more rest in your life

Rest goes beyond getting adequate sleep. According to Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, a physician, researcher, and author of the book, “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity,” there are 7 different types of rest that we desperately need to feel fully energized and vibrant.  She says, “We go through life thinking we’ve rested because we’ve gotten enough sleep – but in reality we are missing out on the types of rest we desperately need.”  You need to have equal restoration in 7 key areas 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.

6. Spiritual Rest

If you are too busy that you don’t have time to smell the roses, watch a beautiful sunset or sunrise, or connect with nature, family and friends, you may lack meaningfulness and feel spiritual exhaustion. Spiritual rest can be religious or spiritual. It means considering things that give your life meaning and fulfillment.
We need rest on multiple levels.  When you wake up each morning, ask yourself if you truly feel rested?  You may be running a rest deficit in one of the above areas.  Identify the area that is calling for more attention and make a conscious effort to get the type of rest that you need. Check out Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s TEDxAtlanta Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGNN4EPJzGk&t=1s