Question To Ask Yourself - Did You Know There Are 7 Different Rest Types?
In today’s world, with our packed google calendars, zoom invites, buzzing notifications, and chaotic schedules, one can argue that there is no such thing as enough rest. Yet, rest feels both like an unattainable luxury and a sign of weakness. A sign of slowing down in a world that constantly creates the pressure of keeping up. We ignore the signs of stress creeping up, the signals from our body asking us for a breather, pushing through each day, and putting off self-care till we crash and burn. Then, we take a few days off, get some sleep, and it’s back to the same cycle.
What rest types can we consider working into our lifestyles in a way that truly recharges us?
One mistake we often make is to equate rest with inactivity. Avoidance of all responsibility, distraction from stressors, and a stagnant state of mindlessness. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a night of mindless Netflix bingeing is all we need to clear our heads. But really recharging ourselves requires a consciousness of the different areas in our life where we might be feeling drained or overwhelmed and an intentional approach in addressing those areas.
Did you know that there are 7 types of rest?
Photo by Isabella and Zsa Fischer
Physical Rest
We are most familiar with passive physical rest - napping and sleeping in to allow your body some extra time to just be. Active physical rest can include restorative yoga, massages, going for a swim, and any other activity that can restore your physical energy.
Photo by Eduardo Flores
Mental Rest
The second type is mental rest. You may need this if you feel brain fog or a sense of cloudiness, and you find yourself zoning out of conversations, unable to concentrate. The best way to get mental rest is to incorporate it into your daily routine, by scheduling breaks to refresh your mind. A few minutes of mindful breathing, taking a walk, having a conversation with a colleague–all provide a quick mental detox.
Social Rest
Post-pandemic, we all crave more social interaction yet we don’t have the capacity to socialize at the same level we used to. Monitoring your bandwidth for social interactions and identifying a core group that energizes you is essential in maintaining/restoring your social energy. It’s okay to say no to plans! Be intentional with your social energy bank.
Photo by Laura Adai
Creative Rest
Each of us is required to use our creative muscles in some capacity; problem-solving, brainstorming, and decision-making all call for some level of creativity. If you’re finding yourself at a mental block, it may be time to take off the pressure of producing and focus on consuming/cultivating creativity. Spending time in nature and allowing your mind to float, watching movies or documentaries that inspire, listening to music that moves you, reading books, trying out a new skill for fun and not for results, are all ways that can bring back that creative spark that was dulled from the pressure.
Photo by Toa Heftiba
Emotional Rest
Emotional fatigue is real and common. We are constantly consuming news and emotional information on social media, lending our shoulders to our loved ones, and taking care of those dependent on us. It can feel selfish to take a break from it all. But we cannot give from an empty cup.
Emotional rest can look like setting boundaries and refraining from offering emotional labor as you focus on nourishing your emotions. Journaling, checking in with your own feelings, and allowing yourself to be taken care of, are all great ways to fill up your cup.
Sensory Rest
Between my laptop, phone and TV, I find myself constantly switching from one screen to another, often going hours without looking up. It isn’t until I feel a headache coming on that I realize I may be facing sensory overload. Consciously engaging in activities that do not require a screen, taking breaks to look outside my window, and turning off my notifications in the evening all help my senses relax from the constant triggers.
Photo by Надя Кисільова
Spiritual Rest
The chaos of daily life often obstructs our ability to reflect on the larger picture. How do you make meaning of your life? Do you feel connected to a cause or purpose larger than yourself? How do you nourish your soul? Meditation, prayer, journaling, self-reflection, are all ways to take a step back and connect with yourself.
So, are you getting enough rest?
Interested in learning more? Watch the following video:
If you’re struggling with fatigue, therapy may be helpful. If you’re a Maryland resident seeking a low fee option for telehealth therapy, working with an intern at Space Between Counseling Services may be an ideal fit.
Meet the Author: Sehar Palla
Graduate Student Intern at Space Between Counseling Services
Sehar works with individuals residing in the state of Maryland, who are managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity exploration.
When not working or studying for her graduate program at Johns Hopkins, Sehar enjoys exploring the city, dancing, taking road trips, and trying out new coffee spots.