Resting well isn’t about resting more
Rest isn't just about sleep - it's about giving ourselves the space to recharge in ways that nurture our entire being.
Recharging goes so far beyond finding more days or hours to ‘sleep more’ or ‘take more breaks’. Instead, it’s about recognising the types of rest your heart, body, and mind are craving and bringing these into your life.
Let’s explore the different types of rest and how you can engage in each to nourish your entire being.
What are the different types of rest?
1. Physical Rest
Physical rest is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think about rest. This can include both passive rest, like sleeping or napping, and active rest, such as gentle movement or stretching. If you're feeling physically exhausted, your body might be telling you to slow down and replenish.
Rest Ideas: Imagine you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours. Your muscles are tense, and your back is sore. Taking a 10-minute break to stretch or walk around the block can release that physical tension and refresh your body.
2. Mental Rest
Mental rest is about giving your mind a break from constant thinking, planning, and problem-solving. If you often feel overwhelmed or find it hard to concentrate, your mind could be craving rest.
Rest Ideas:
Schedule short breaks throughout your workday to disconnect and clear your mind
If you enjoy mindfulness or meditation, draw on your practice to quiet mental chatter
Engage in activities that allow your mind to wander, like drawing or taking a nature walk.
3. Sensory Rest
We live in a world full of sensory input - bright screens, loud noises, and bustling environments. Sensory rest involves reducing this input to give your senses and nervous system a break.
Rest Ideas: After a day of back-to-back Zoom meetings, you might feel overwhelmed by the constant screen time and sound. Consider dimming the lights, closing your eyes, and enjoying a few moments of silence to soothe your senses.
4. Creative Rest
As creative beings, we sometimes need to step away from our work to let our minds wander and play. Creative rest can involve engaging in activities that inspire and refresh your creativity without the pressure to produce something.
Rest Ideas: You might find that spending time in nature, visiting an art gallery, or listening to music can reignite your creative spark. These activities allow your mind to explore new ideas without the expectations of your regular creative practice.
5. Emotional Rest
Emotional rest means having the space and permission to express your feelings freely. It’s about being authentic and not feeling the need to constantly please others or hide your true emotions.
Rest Ideas: You might have had a tough conversation with a friend that left you feeling drained. Journaling about your emotions or talking with a trusted person can provide the emotional release and support you need to rest and rejuvenate.
Share your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist
Set boundaries and allow yourself to say no when needed.
6. Social Rest
Social rest is about balancing your social interactions. While connecting with others can be nourishing, it’s also essential to recognise when you need time alone to recharge. For those who are highly empathic, introverted, or have different levels of comfort around socialising, this type of rest is especially important.
Rest Ideas: After attending a social event, you might feel emotionally exhausted. Spending an evening alone with a good book or watching your favourite movie can help you regain your energy.
7. Spiritual Rest
Spiritual rest involves connecting with something greater than yourself that you find deeply fulfilling and restorative. This could mean engaging in religious practices, spirituality, or spending time connecting with nature.
Rest Ideas: If you’re feeling disconnected or lost, you might find solace in a quiet walk in the forest, meditating by the water, or practising yoga. This type of rest is about finding those activities that help you feel more grounded and aligned with your inner self and your spiritual self.
Connecting with your rest needs
Rest is never one-size-fits-all. It’s important to listen to your body, mind, and heart, to understand the types of rest you need most right now.
Here are a few tips to help you identify and meet your rest needs
Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on how you’re feeling and where you’re experiencing the most fatigue. Is it physical, mental, emotional, or something else?
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to physical signs of exhaustion, mental fog, sensory overload, and emotional strain.
Experiment and Adjust: Try out different types of rest and notice how they affect your overall wellbeing. Adjust as needed to find what works best for you.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to rest. Your needs might change over time, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to approach rest with the same curiosity and compassion you bring to your creative work.
Allow yourself to experiment and discover what truly rejuvenates you.
For a deeper dive into connecting with yourself and nurturing your creative expression, I invite you to explore “Your Voice: A Journaling Companion”. This gentle guide is filled with journaling prompts and practices to help you build a nurturing and sustainable journaling routine as you deepen your connection to your self, needs, and voice.
Go gently, and remember that every part of you is welcome on this journey.
