7 Types of Rest That We All Need
Cure Your Rest Deficit
Photo: Enjoying matcha tea and nature in Idyllwild, CA.
How to get that much-needed vacation rest, when not on vacation
We’ve all experienced it. That vacation bliss that comes from exploring a new location, experiencing a new perspective, and enjoying a home-away-from-home. But, why do we feel so relaxed on vacation and in our hotel rooms? It has to do with all the TYPES OF REST that vacation naturally forces on us.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has identified 7 types of rest we need, and all are important and necessary. And when we are not well-rested in these areas, it affects our overall levels of energy, focus, motivation, and general well-being.
Luckily, we can access that “vacation mode of rest” at any time, as long as we are mindful in realizing what type of rest our mind, body, and soul might need.
Physical Rest
This is usually the first type of rest we think of. Feeling tired? We instantly consider the quality and quantity of our sleep. Sleep is a passive form of rest, and is important for healing and maintaining our body’s functions. But, also important, is active rest — mobility and movement activities that help improve the body’s circulation and flexibility, such as stretching, yoga or massage therapy.
Organize to improve physical rest: Creating a restful bedroom will help increase the quality of your sleep. Clear your bedroom night-stand, surfaces, and floors of any piles cluttering your space for a good night’s sleep.
2. Mental Rest
When you’re struggling to concentrate or turn off your brain, you need mental rest. A mental break allows you to slow down and give your whirling mind a break. This could mean you take breaks during the work day or create a “dump list” of things on your mind.
Organize to improve mental rest: Organize your schedule ahead of time to include blocked out time to let an overactive mind rest and wander. Utilize the pomodoro techinque (this Lofi Girl one is great!) or set alarm reminders to remind yourself to stand up from your desk and go for a short walk. Another way to ease the next day’s mental load is to make time to plan for the next day’s activities (i.e. selecting your outfit for the next day or packing your work bag).
3. Sensory Rest
This world can be over-stimulating. Outside forces in our environment can continually drain our attention and energy (cue the bright lights, bright screens, and background noise). Closing your eyes, removing stimulants, and unplugging is the remedy.
Organize to improve sensory rest: Clutter is visually overwhelming. Declutter and organize your home, so that the visual noise is eliminated. Create a peaceful wind-down evening routine at home incorporating dim lights (twinkle lights and candles, for example), relaxing fragrances, soft music, and turning off technology.
4. Creative Rest
We need to be able to access our creativity when we need to solve problems or innovate. But, when our minds are dulled and tired, it’s challenging. Creative rest unlocks inspiration, passion, awe, and wonder. These are needed to generate creativity, fresh perspectives, new ideas, and solutions. Engaging in experiences that inspire us or fill us with awe (like watching a sunset) is restoring our creative spirit.
Organize to improve creative rest: Declutter your desk of distracting clutter, and decorate it with elements that engage you and inspire you — examples could be plants, a dream board, motivating quotes, or colorful backdrops. If you’re an artsy person, another area you can organize is your arts n’ crafts supplies, so that it’s ready when you’re ready to create.
5. Emotional Rest
People-pleasing and putting everyone’s needs before your own can be emotionally draining. If you’re feeling under-appreciated or carrying the emotional labor in relationships, it’s time for some self-care and to give yourself the opportunity to authentically express your true feelings.
Organize to improve emotional rest: Create a self-care box that holds items you can go to when you need to process and tend to your own emotions. By having them all in one place, you do not need to search for them when you need it. Possible items you could include: a journal, headphones, and a candle. Stepping away and taking some time for yourself is key.
6. Social Rest
There are some relationships that energize us, and others that exhaust us. Surround yourself with the supportive relationships that revive you. This goes for social activities, too.
Organize to improve social rest: Reflect on the relationships that leave you feeling drained after interactions. It may be time to set some boundaries or let go of any relationships and energy vampires that no longer serve you. Additionally, be picky about what you choose to say “yes” to on your social calendar; only accept invitations that will energize you, instead of accepting out of obligation.
7. Spiritual Rest
Being able to cultivate a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose is essential for spiritual rest. Spiritual rest gives us the feeling that we are a part of something larger and it feeds our soul. Volunteering or meditating are examples of how you can engage in spiritual rest.
Organize to improve spiritual rest: Focus on decluttering your home with a specific charity in mind for donations and if you feel called to it, take it a step further by volunteering with the organization.
Take the time to restore yourself
So the next time you’re feeling tired, but don’t have a vacation booked, make sure you review these 7 areas to get the type of rest you need. Although vacation makes it easier for us to engage in rest by its very nature, it is possible to incorporate all 7 of these types of rests into our daily lifestyles to fully thrive.