Forms of Rest

Rest is crucial for our overall well-being. It enables our bodies and minds to recharge, repair, and rejuvenate. Without rest, we are more prone to stress, burnout, and various physical and mental health issues. Contrary to popular belief, rest does not only mean sleep or doing nothing. There are different types of rest that we need to embrace in order to lead a slower and more sustainable life.

In my experience running a business, I have come to think of rest in two forms: the rest you take to recover and the rest you take to build a reserve. This is similar to a bank with checking and savings accounts. Different forms of energy require different types of deposits, and it’s important to know which account needs what kind of deposit. And what accounts you're regularly dipping into. With some experimentation, I have defined the forms of rest, what they mean to me, and how best to invest in each one.

Forms of Rest

1. Physical Rest

Engage in physical rest to restore and improve your physical well-being. This includes activities such as sleeping, napping, and relaxation techniques like massage, stretching, and breathing exercises. Take every opportunity to check in with your physical body and connect with how it feels and what it needs. 

2. Mental Rest

Detach from cognitive demands and allow your brain to repair itself with mental rest. This involves taking a break from mental activities that require focus and concentration. Examples of mental rest include meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, daydreaming, and visualization.

3. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest is essential for reducing stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. Take time away from situations or even people that drain your emotional energy. Activities such as journaling, therapy, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy are all examples of emotional rest. 

4. Social Rest

It is reasonable to need space from socialization and being around others—Recuperate and find your center with social rest. This involves taking a break from social activities and allowing yourself some alone time. Social rest can include activities such as reading, taking a walk, or simply relaxing in a quiet space.

5. Sensory Rest

Disconnect from the "noise" of life and check in on your well-being with sensory rest. Stimuli like sounds, light, and visual clutter can cause turmoil for the senses and nervous system. Alleviate this by spending time in a quiet, dark room, wearing comfortable clothing, or using noise-canceling headphones.

6. Spiritual Rest

Take care of your soul with spiritual rest. You need time away from everyday concerns to connect with your inner/higher self. Activities such as prayer, meditation, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that align with your personal values can help you achieve spiritual rest. This sense of inner peace provides a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

7. Creative Rest

Prioritize your inspiration and protect your creative energy with creative rest. This calls for time away from tasks that require logical thinking or forced output and instead, engaging in activities that stimulate your creativity and instincts. Creative rest can include activities such as painting, writing, or any other form of creative expression and discovery.

How to Embrace Different Types of Rest

Embracing different types of rest requires intentional action, but the beauty of rest is that a little goes a long way. You only need to make a few adjustments or investments in the areas that require the most energy in any given season of life. Here are some tips on how to practice each type of rest, so you can best address the energy you need to replenish and build a reserve for:

• PHYSICAL REST: Set a regular sleep schedule, take breaks from work, engage in relaxation techniques, stretch, move, and focus on nourishment. When in doubt, eat colorfully and increase hydration.

• MENTAL REST: Practice mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing, and take breaks from technology. Make friends with boredom and silence, as both can be powerful allies for mental rest.

• EMOTIONAL REST: Make time for activities that bring you joy, connect with loved ones, take pauses to feel throughout the day, and check in with your body. Try asking yourself "What do I need?" and listen for the response. As always, seek professional emotional support if needed.

• SOCIAL REST: Schedule alone time, engage in activities that you enjoy, and establish boundaries with others. A quick balance for a busy social schedule is creating "office hours" for yourself. For example, only answer messages after a certain time of day or only meet others on certain days of the week.

• SPIRITUAL REST: Engage in spiritual practices that align with your values, spend time in nature, and reflect on your personal beliefs and inspiring long-term goals. Use morning pages, oracle, and tarot decks for added insight.

• CREATIVE REST: Engage in creative activities that you enjoy, take breaks from work, and allow yourself to daydream and play. Taking yourself on inspirational adventures and diving into an expanding topic can be a good place to start.

By prioritizing various forms of rest, we can navigate daily life and foster greater resilience, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Start by incorporating small changes into your daily routine and observe how they positively impact your life. The beauty of rest is that it's adaptable to any season you're in, and all forms of rest work together. While you nurture one aspect of your life, you'll replenish many other areas from your energetic reserve.