Rest Is More Than Sleep
HOW IS REST DIFFERENT FROM SLEEP?
We know quality sleep is essential for good health but rest is as important and involves more than just sleeping soundly through the night. There are actually seven types of rest!
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
To feel well for as long as possible, it’s important to include rest into your daily routine instead of trying to catch up with a vacation or long weekend.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
We can learn and develop awareness around the seven types of rest and then build simple ways to integrate rest in to our daily routines. Read on!
1- Physical Rest- When your body feels sluggish it may need physical rest. Physical rest includes sleeping, lying down and engaging in activities that don't strain the body such as: baths, massage, naps or curling up with a good book.
2- Mental Rest- Modern life subjects our brains to non-stop stimuli and information which causes mental fatigue. Mental rest with practices like spending time in nature, meditation and prayer give our brains a break by turning down the outside noise and the endless internal chatter of thinking, rethinking, worrying, strategizing and anticipating.
3- Emotional Rest- It’s common to dwell on negative thoughts or suppress uncomfortable emotions which can take a toll. To rest emotionally, engage in activities that bring you joy, spend time with people that lift you up and distance yourself from those who drain your energy.
4. Social Rest- Social interactions are important for our health but having a calendar that is too full can actually drain your energy. It’s OK to say no to invitations and lay low sometimes. Prioritize quality over quantity social interactions.
5. Spiritual Rest- The problems of the world can seep into our spirits and sap our energy. Practices that help us get out of our heads and reconnect with our innermost selves such as spending time in nature and meditation help replensish the spirit.
6. Sensory Rest- Similar to mental rest, the noise of modern life wears us down but with sensory rest, our senses are constantly over-stimulated. Give your senses a daily rest by intentionally reducing or eliminating sensory input with efforts like: minimizing exposure to screens, going screen-free after certain hours or even one day a week, spending time in a quiet space and listening to calming classical music.
7. Creative Rest- Creativity is a cup filler but it’s important to put it down and step away periodically to prevent creative blocks and burnout. Small breaks of creative rest can actually help you be more creative by bringing a fresh perspective and allowing new ideas to emerge and flow. Try shifting gears and engaging in different activities that spark your curiosity without pressuring yourself to be productive.
