7 Types of Rest We Need
With the changes in season, summer is a common time for people to take a break from the monotony of everyday tasks and relax. For many, this can take on the form of a break from school, vacationing with family or friends, or just enjoying a no stress day at home.
It is a common belief that when we need a break, the ‘go to’ way of resting is by hunkering down and not moving. Sitting on the couch, binge watching our favourite show can be the main way some people rest. However, it is not uncommon to take such a break and instead of feeling rested, we feel even more depleted than before. Resting physically is not always the type of rest our mind, body and soul need to recover and feel recharged. It is but one of 7. The other 6 types of rest include: emotional, mental, social, creative, sensory, and spiritual.
Physical Rest
Resting physically is one source of stillness that can help our bodies recover from our daily hustle. Limiting our movement is not the only way we can find physical rest. This can also include small intentional movements that can cultivate energy. Ways of experiencing physical rest can include taking a nap, engaging in light stretching, having a massage, practicing yoga and going for a walk.
Emotional Rest
If we spend energy trying to “keep it altogether” or ignore specific uncomfortable emotions, we can become overwhelmed and exhausted. Allowing ourselves to connect to our emotions can be another way of recovering our capacity. This can include giving yourself permission to acknowledge and feel what you feel, without judgment. Seeking support from others or journaling can be healthy ways to externalize our emotions, as well as taking a break from what emotionally exhausts us, such as social media.
Mental Rest
We use our mind on an everyday basis to focus, concentrate and make decisions, which can become tiring. It can be helpful to allow our mind to take a break from this constant engagement. Ways to rest can include practicing meditation and enjoying hobbies that allow the mind to drift, such as singing, painting or solving a jigsaw puzzle.
Social Rest
Depending on our need for social connection, we can be exhausted from interacting too much with others or not having enough quality engagement. Being able to spend time with those who ‘fill our cup’, while also taking a break from those who deplete us, can be ways to rest. As well, being mindful of our social media use, can help signal when it's time to take a break.
Creative Rest
Being busy with finishing tasks and completing agendas, it is easy to fall prey to cynicism, and feeling burdened by life’s hardships. Allowing ourselves to engage with our creative self, can help inspire us, which in turn, can make accomplishing tasks easier. Ways to tap into creative rest include listening to music, appreciating nature as well as surrounding yourself with awe-inspiring images.
Sensory Rest
Entering a loud store, where music is blaring and the lights seem too bright, can be overwhelming. Another name for it is sensory overload. With constant noise, sounds, smells and sights, our brains can be overwhelmed with trying to process all the information it is receiving. Allowing ourselves breaks from being sensory overloaded can help promote rest and calmness. Ways of encouraging sensory rest can include dimming the lights, listening to soothing sounds, taking a break from screens or wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket.
Spiritual Rest
Living in a culture that values working hard, sometimes we forget why we are doing so in the first place. Spirituality includes personal values that can help us feel connected to things outside of ourselves. Allowing ourselves space to reflect on what brings us meaning and purpose, can positively impact our motivation. Spiritual rest can include spending time in nature, volunteering, engaging in prayer or gratitude, as well as stargazing.
As you excitedly plan how you want to spend your time this summer, reflect on if there are any specific types of rest that could be helpful for you to cultivate. Learning to tune into our needs can make it easier to know how to foster recovery and feel restored. If spending a few hours binging a show is not quite helping you feel recharged, maybe there are other types of rest that you need instead.
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Written by: Destinee Hiscock RP
Desintee is a registered psychotherapist and works with teens and adults. She believes that therapy should be a safe space to process, externalize, and connect without judgement. Destinee uses a client-centered approach, where she prioritizes collaboration throughout the entire therapy process to ensure congruency for the client. Destinee is currently accepting new clients!