Mindfulness And Resting

Did you know there are 7 different types of rest that can help you feel renewed? Learn how to incorporate them into your life to help beat burnout.

So many of us walk through our days feeling tired and overwhelmed thanks to our nonstop schedules. It’s easy to think that getting a little more sleep is the answer to our fatigue, but true rest actually goes beyond catching those extra hours of shut eye. In her book Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares her seven favorite types of rest, and each serves a unique purpose. While there are many, many types of rest, these seven might help you to feel fully renewed.

Learning about, and then incorporating, these different forms of rest can significantly enhance our wellbeing and help us combat the draining effects of burnout. By embracing each type of rest, we can find ourselves more energized, emotionally balanced, and mentally sharp, ready to tackle life's challenges with renewed vigor.

Can rest prevent burnout?

Burnout, a state often resulting from prolonged stress, can manifest as physical exhaustion, lack of motivation, and mental fatigue. It's a signal from our body and mind telling us that we need to pause and replenish our energy by taking time to rest.

However, rest is often misunderstood or even overlooked. When we rest, we’re not just stopping physical activity or work, nor is rest merely about sleeping well—although quality sleep is a significant part. When we truly rest, we’re reaching a state where our mind and body can relax and recover from the stresses and strains of daily life. Medically, rest has long been recognized as a key component in maintaining good health, preventing burnout, and ensuring long-term wellbeing.

Rest can have profound effects on our overall health. It can help repair our body, calm our brain, and restore our energy. When we rest, our body undertakes repair processes essential for physical health. And our mind gets a chance to process experiences, consolidate memories, and rejuvenate cognitive functions.

Sometimes taking time to rest can seem unproductive or even lazy. But it’s vital to remember that rest isn’t a luxury, it's a necessity. By embracing rest, we’re avoiding the harmful effects of burnout, and we're actively enhancing our ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and enjoy life.

It’s important to look out for the signs that our bodies and minds are asking for a break, and respond to ourselves with kindness—it's crucial for our wellbeing.

How to rest: 7 types of rest

Understanding the different types of rest can transform our approach to rejuvenation and wellbeing. Each type can play a vital role in your overall health and wellbeing. By finding ways to bring these forms of rest into your life, you can move toward a more balanced, energetic, and fulfilling existence. 

Good quality sleep is a big part of physical rest, but it also includes activities like lying down, relaxing your muscles, and engaging in gentle movement. These actions can help your body recover from the physical demands of daily life, reduce muscle tension, and boost energy levels. Sometimes, practices like yoga or a leisurely walk can be just as restorative as a nap.

Your brain is constantly processing information, making decisions and solving problems. Mental rest can give your mind a break from this relentless activity. Mindfulness practices—like meditation, taking short breaks during workdays, or engaging in hobbies that let your mind wander—can help achieve mental rest. This can help you reduce mental fatigue, enhance focus and boost creativity.

Emotional rest means allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions in a healthy way. It's about being honest about your feelings, seeking support when you need it, and stepping away from emotionally draining situations. This can lead to improved emotional intelligence, better relationships, and a greater sense of inner peace.

We live in a world full of constant stimulation—bright lights, loud noises, and screens everywhere. Sensory rest involves reducing this overload. This might be as simple as turning off your electronic devices, embracing quietness, dimming lights, or enjoying nature. Sensory rest can help in reducing the strain on your senses and can lead to a calmer, more focused state of mind.

Creative rest rejuvenates your creativity. Engaging with the beauty in the world, whether it's art, nature, or music, can allow you to become inspired. This type of rest can spark new ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and bring joy.

Social interactions can be a complex part of our lives. Social rest involves surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people, whilst distancing yourself from relationships that are draining or stressful. It can help in building stronger, more fulfilling relationships and can greatly improve your mood and outlook on life.

Finding meaning and purpose beyond your daily routines is known as spiritual rest. It can be achieved through activities that connect you to something greater than yourself, like meditation, prayer, or community involvement. Spiritual rest can provide a deep sense of calm and a renewed perspective on life.