The 7 types of rest you need

We all know that we need to rest, but do we know how to rest? We might be getting more than enough sleep and yet find ourselves exhausted. According to experts, there are seven types of rest that we all need in order to be healthy and productive.

Let’s take a deep dive:

Physical rest

Physical exhaustion can be caused by many things, including working long hours, intense exercise, or chronic illness. When you’re physically exhausted, your body is telling you that it needs rest. Rest is essential for your body to recover from physical exhaustion and to restore its energy levels.

There are many ways to get the rest your body needs, including getting enough sleep, taking short naps, and using relaxation techniques.

Mental rest

Do you feel like you can’t keep your eyes open, your head up, or your thoughts organized? Do you find that you’re exhausted, mentally and physically? You may be suffering from mental exhaustion.

We all know the feeling. After a long day of work, all you want to do is go home, put your feet up and relax. Symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, feeling like you can’t do anything right, lack of concentration, and feeling constantly tired.

For a mental break, switch off by distancing from technology, meditating or going for a walk in nature by yourself. Exercising is also a form of mental rest as it gives your brain a break while giving your body a workout.

No time to exercise because you have kids? Exercise with them.

Social rest

Are you tired? Do you feel like you can’t keep up with the never-ending social obligations? You’re not alone. According to recent studies, one-third of Americans say they are exhausted from socializing. While there are many reasons for this feeling, one of the most common is that people are trying to do too much. They are attending too many events, networking with too many people, and trying to be everything to everyone.

Especially if you are an introvert, interacting with people all the time can be exhausting. Balance draining encounters with restorative ones. Spend some time alone or with an old friend you can just sit with. No talking needed.

Creative rest

In today’s society, it is often seen as a badge of honor to be a workaholic. You’re considered successful if you’re always putting in extra hours at the office, even if you’re not getting paid for them. But what about the other side of the coin? What about the people who are so burnt out from their creative endeavors that they can’t bring themselves to do anything else?

There is no one right way to get creative rest, but there are some strategies that might work better for you than others. One way to get creative rest is to take a break from your work and do something completely different. This could be anything from taking a walk in the park to watching a movie. You could also try switching up your routine or working in a different environment. If you usually work from home, try going to a coffee shop or library.

Further reading: Why giving up is sometimes a good thing

Emotional rest

In our fast-paced and emotionally-demanding world, it’s not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. For some, this leads to a state of chronic stress and emotional exhaustion. Over time, chronic stress can lead to diseases like seborrheic dermatitis, auto-immune diseases and metabolic syndromes. 

Getting emotional rest is crucial for a healthy mind and body. Emotional rest involves taking time for yourself to relax and de-stress. There are many ways to get emotional rest, but the most important thing is to find what works best for you and to make it a regular part of your life.

Spiritual rest

As people, we are constantly on the go. We are always working, always doing something to improve our lives. While this is often a good thing, it can also lead to spiritual exhaustion. This happens when we don’t take the time to rest and recharge our spiritual batteries. When we reach this point, we can start to feel burned out and lost. We may feel like we’re not really living anymore, just going through the motions.

Feel afloat, unanchored or alone? Seek out a sense of purpose and something to ground you. Most people know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, but what about getting spiritual rest? Just as our bodies need time to rejuvenate and restore energy, our spirits need time to refuel and reconnect with God.

In order to get the most out of our spiritual lives, it’s important to set aside time each day for rest and reflection. This might mean taking a few minutes each morning to pray or read scripture, or spending an hour each week in silent meditation.

Sensory rest

The world is constantly bombarding us with stimuli. From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night, our senses are working overtime. For some people, this can lead to sensory exhaustion, a condition in which the individual has overexerted their senses and needs time to rest.

Sensory exhaustion is one of the most prevalent drainers thanks to our ever-connected world. Sensory rest is a way to give your body and mind a break from the constant stimulation we experience every day. It can help improve focus, energy, and mood.

Catch up on sensory rest by putting aside the technology and stepping outside for fresh air if you’re able to do so. Check in with yourself before reaching for the remote on nights “off”—is staring at a screen really the rest you need?

To wrap up

There are many different types of rest we can take throughout the day in order to feel more refreshed and productive. By implementing some of these tips, we can all be on our way to a better night’s sleep and a more energized day.