7 Types of Rest Every Person Needs & How to Identify Them
It’s the start of a new year. Given that, it means it’s time to get our goals & priorities straight. While most of us like to incorporate some type of self-care into our resolutions, we tend to overlook the most important one: Rest. Whether it’s a power nap, a deep slumber, or beauty sleep- everyone knows the impact that proper shut-eye can have on us. Even with this common knowledge, most people don’t know that there’s actually a difference between sleep and rest. According to Dr. Dalton-Smith, they are not the same thing! In fact, there are 7 different types of rest you should be familiar with.
What’s the Difference Between Sleep & Rest?
Sleep is the body’s natural state when it’s inactive. Rest, on the other hand, is when you’re actively and intentionally putting time aside to promote that same state of relaxation. By not getting sufficient time to do so, you’re risking burnout which is the overwhelming feeling of being exhausted. This, in turn, can lead to increased heart disease, diabetes, isolation and depression.
Types of Rest
If you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep every night but still feel tired then it’s time to figure out which type of rest you actually need.
1. Physical. Physical rest can be passive or active. Passive being high quality sleep or napping and active being physical activities. Regardless of which approach you take, this type works to improve the body’s overall circulation and flexibility.
- Includes sleeping, napping, and other activities to help revitalize the body. Examples include yoga, meditation, massage therapy or stretching
2. Mental As the name entails, mental rest is for those that struggle with putting their mind at ease. It helps to place a pause on active thinking that occurs specifically after hours. It’s also a good reminder that it’s okay to take things slowly.
- Listen to music, meditate or take short breaks at work every 2 hours.
- Keep a notepad by the bed to jot down thoughts that keep you awake or bothering you. '
3. Sensory. Sensory rest is for those whose senses become easily overwhelmed. This can cause sensory overload which can lead to irritation and anger. It’s usually caused by bright lights, screens, background noise or conversations
- Close your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day and unplug electronics at the end of every day.
4. Creative. This is recommended for those who have creator’s or writer’s block. The main purpose of this is to promote. creativity and brainstorming
- Go outside, read a book, look and surround yourself with art in your workspace for inspiration.
5. Emotional. If you’re a people pleaser or are aware that you carry a lot of emotional baggage, you’re going to need this. Emotional rest helps to bring time and space to those who aren’t able to truly express their feelings and work up the courage to be honest with themselves.
- Talk to someone who’s a good listener or consider going to therapy
6. Social. This type of rest is needed when we fail to differentiate relationships that energize us versus relationships that drain us.
- Surround yourself with people who are more positive and supportive.
- Take some time to spend on yourself. Look at this as a reset button.
7. Spiritual. Someone who is experiencing a spiritual deficit might feel like their life or work has no real meaning. Eventually, this can lead to burnout. Spiritual rest also goes beyond physical and mental connection. It’s more so for finding a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance and purpose.
- Engage or involve yourself in the community.
- Meditate or, if you consider yourself a religious person, try adding prayer to your routine.
Final Thoughts
By figuring out which type of rest you need, you’re one step closer to restoring your body, mind, and spirit. Start at the place of your greatest deficit first and begin thinking of small steps/strategies you can do on a consistent basis. To learn more tips on how to get good rest, listen to my podcast here. Stay beautiful, happy resting, and Happy New Years
