Linked & Lift Issue #12: The 7 Types of Rest We All Need to Feel Restored
[Reading Time: 4 mins]
Exhausted even after a good sleep? It's not your fault, and you're not alone.
Workplace stress is estimated to be the 5th leading cause of death in the United States, and over half of working professionals link their job with insomnia.
It's no wonder many people wake up feeling drained, even after a full night's sleep.
Do you sometimes wake up even after 7-8 hours of sleep feeling like you never went to bed?
If that’s the case, it’s because sleep and rest do not mean the same thing.
You read it right!
Sleep is merely one of the 7 types of rest that our body craves.
This might sound surprising….
This hidden wisdom comes from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.
The concept is discussed in Dr. Sandra Dalton’s book, Sacred Rest.
‘SACRED REST gives the weary permission to embrace no, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.’
Rest is not only about resting your body, but also your mind and soul.
Let's explore the 7 types of rest we all need and how to get more of each.
But before delving into them, I'd like to share a cheat sheet I created on the 7 types of rest.
You can download the high-resolution PDF file here.
THE 7 TYPES OF REST WE ALL NEED.
These are the seven types of rest:
Physical Rest
Mental Rest
Sensory Rest
Creative Rest
Emotional Rest
Social Rest
Spiritual Rest
Let’s look closely at each type of rest and discuss how to get more of each.
We’ll also talk about the signs that show that you may need it.
1. Physical Rest:
Physical rest restores the body's vitality beyond sleep alone.
How to get it:
More sleep
Naps
Deep breaths
Relaxation
Stretching
Signs you need it:
Persistent fatigue
Muscle tension
Feeling physically drained.
2. Mental Rest:
Mental rest calms an overworked mind.
How to get it:
Music
Silence
Meditation
Jotting down thoughts before bedtime
All these can work wonders.
Signs You Need It:
Irritability
Forgetfulness
Difficulty concentrating
Restless sleep.
“A life without periods of rest will not endure the daily grind.”
― Saundra Dalton-Smith
3. Sensory Rest:
Relieve your senses from overstimulation.
How to get it:
Close your eyes for a minute during the day
Unplug from electronic devices, especially before bedtime
Signs you need it:
Feeling overwhelmed by bright lights, screens, or constant noise.
4. Creative Rest:
Rejuvenate your problem-solving abilities and inspire innovation.
How to get it:
Enjoy nature or art
Make your workspace inspiring with pictures and art
Signs you need it:
Not feeling inspired
Having trouble solving problems
Lacking passion
5. Emotional Rest:
Emotional rest is about expressing feelings and setting boundaries.
How to get it:
Learn to say no
Be yourself
Find time to express your honesty
Signs you need it:
Feeling not valued
Finding it hard to share feelings
Being very tired from trying to please everyone
6. Social Rest:
It’s about differentiating relationships that revive versus exhaust.
How to get it:
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people
Catch up with old friends
Take a break from socialisation
Signs you need it:
Feeling drained after social interactions
Difficulty setting boundaries
A sense of being taken advantage of
7. Spiritual Rest:
Connect beyond the physical and mental for belonging and purpose.
How to get it:
Engage in activities beyond oneself, like prayer, meditation, or community involvement.
Signs you need it:
Lack of a deep sense of belonging, acceptance, purpose, and love.
Sleep alone doesn't fully recharge us.
It’s time to get the exact type of rest that will truly rejuvenate us.
Which type of rest do you need the most right now?
How can you integrate these rest types into your routine?
Embracing the 7 Types of Rest in Your life.
Incorporating all 7 types of rest into your daily routine might feel challenging.
Yet, it's crucial for your overall well-being.
Here are some tips on how to bring these 7 types of rest into your life:
➟ Experiment with various forms of rest to discover what brings you peace.
➟ Choose it intentionally based on what your body and mind truly need.
➟ Prioritise rest by scheduling it, just like you do for work or exercise.
➟ Take short breaks during the day to refresh your body and mind.
➟ Disconnect regularly from technology and social media.
➟ Set boundaries around your time and energy.
➟ Make rest a consistent part of your life.
Remember, your well-being is crucial.
The 7 types of rest are not just a list, they're a lifestyle.
A lifestyle that can revolutionise your energy levels, your work, your relationships, and your life.
So, which type of rest are you adding to your routine today?
Give them a try and let us know how they transform your 2024!
Until next time,
Véronique,