Rest is an important part of recovery. Working adults are told that they need 8 hours of rest to perform optimally each day. However, even when you get 8 or more hours of sleep, you may still feel tired. The quality of rest does determine how well you’re able to get back in your groove. If you aren’t getting the right kind of rest, you will still feel groggy or lose your momentum before your next rest time. You can try retreats, exercise, journaling, and meditating but that bone-deep exhaustion still plagues you. And that’s because you’re not getting all 7 types of rest needed to fully recharge.
Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith wrote a book called Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Renew Your Sanity where she noted that people need the following types of rest:
- Physical
- Mental
- Social
- Creative
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Sensory
Sometimes you feel tired all the time because you’re having a rest deficit. Getting enough or even excessive sleep, taking time off work, and going on digital detoxes are all part of rest but they don’t encompass everything.
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Physical rest
This includes taking a break from physical activities. It helps your muscles rest and improve sleep. Dr Dalton-Smith states that passive rest such as sleep and naps need to be done appropriately. You need to sleep early enough to ensure that you have a proper circadian rhythm. Wellness: Why You’re Always Tired Even After Sleeping Enough
Day naps should also not exceed 90 minutes which affects how your brain functions for the rest of the day and interferes with your sleep. Different Types Of Naps And How They Benefit You
You also need to have active physical rest. This includes yoga, massages, or other low-impact exercises that improve circulation and flexibility. Having a sedentary lifestyle means your muscles are tight more often than not. You need to find a way to help these muscles and joints move.
Mental rest
Mental rest includes giving your mind a break. This can include going on a vacation or journaling. However, depending on your schedule, a vacation isn’t the most practical way to get mental rest. You can try taking a quiet walk in nature, a nap, taking a dedicated break each day from your devices, keeping a diary, meditating, or doing deep breathing exercises.
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Social rest
This can also be tailored to suit your daily routine. You can reduce draining social engagements for more restorative ones. For example, you can forego after-work drinks which require being on top of things about work, and instead go for a book club meeting with your dearest friends. You can also meet friends who help you feel calm and regain your balance. You can also choose to have an evening alone where you go to a wine bar with your current book, or go for a pottery class, or sit at home just knitting. Social rest means foregoing socialising that feels like labour. How To Socialize As An Introvert
Creative rest
Nearly every job requires applied creativity. If you work in tech support, you will need to constantly think of ways to troubleshoot problems, trying to figure out what is wrong with every device. In many jobs, these solutions also need to be fast-paced. Other jobs are also purely creative such as writers, social media managers, graphic designers, or content creators. Constantly engaging your mind in something creative can lead to exhaustion and getting blocked.
Creative rest can help you restore your energy. This can be done by indulging in art, walking in nature, listening to audiobooks, or reading to help ground you. It also includes taking a break from anything that demands your creativity. Mindless but engaging activities like board games or tending to your kitchen garden can also count.
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Emotional rest
This means offloading your feelings whenever you are overwhelmed. It can also involve journaling. To some extent, you could say that emotional rest is interchangeable with social rest. However, it also involves practices such as speaking to a therapist. You can also get emotional rest by putting your emotional needs first.
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Establishing and applying your boundaries where you put your rest first can help rejuvenate you. For example, you can start by saying no to people who demand too much of you. Learn To Say NO Without Feeling Guilty With These Simple Steps
Spiritual rest
This involves being engaged in something greater than yourself. This can range from prayer, meditation, or community engagement. Finding something outside of yourself can help you become grounded. Find an activity that is meaningful to you to participate in every few weeks or so. You can also visit an older person who needs assistance or some company. Benefits Of Spiritual Tourism
Sensory rest
Dr Dalton-Smith points out that excessive screen time leads to exhaustion. This is a problem that many young people face as their jobs involve a lot of computer or phone use. In addition, young people are also highly addicted to social media which is contributing to the digital fatigue plaguing them. Practising digital mindfulness can help reduce screen time. Digital Mindfulness: Is This A Better Option Than A Device Detox?
Being intentional about when you use your devices can help you gain sensory rest. Turn off unnecessary notifications and take breaks in the middle of the workday. Modern life involves a lot of activity. Flashing lights, endless loud music, and constant urban noises increase fatigue. Take time to remain still, dark, and silent to help recharge. Decompressing at the end of the day without having any devices on is a great way to ensure you recover fully.
Check out:
6 Types Of Rest Everyone Needs
Self Care: 5 Fun Ways To Spend Your Me Time
Mental Health: The Benefits Of Keeping A Worry Journal
Self-Care: Take Care Of Your Mind And Body For Better Productivity
Wellness: Habits To Prioritize To Cleanse Your Body And Get A Fresh Reset
