Health & Fitness
7 Types Of Rest You Need For Your Health
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Health & Fitness
7 Types Of Rest You Need For Your Health
In order to restore your mind and body, a solid sleep isn't going to cut it.
Years of working, balancing relationships, and dealing with all of life's ups and downs takes a huge toll on our physical and mental health. And while a good sleep can help in the short-term, or a one-week vacation can sound like a great solution, neither one is going to make everything better.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, says rest is not an option—it's a necessity. Her book dives into a holistic approach to recovery from everyday life, which support health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity.
Here are the seven different types of rest you need to tap into for true health.
1. Physical rest
This is the type of rest we need to recover from physically demanding tasks. A good sleep, a nap, or even light activities like yoga or stretching count towards it.
2. Mental rest
If you've ever felt burned out, this is one of the most important rest types to focus on. Dr. Dalton-Smith recommends short breaks throughout the workday and journaling before bed. She also uses the practice of thought diffusion, a way to distance your thoughts from your emotions.
3. Sensory rest
When you need a break from all the stimulus around you—your phone, TV, computer screen—try sensory deprivation. Whether that's 30 minutes of screen-free time before bed or closing the door to your bedroom for five minutes for some true quiet times, these moments of less can recharge us from overstimulation.
4. Emotional rest
This rest isn't what you may think—Dr. Dalton-Smith isn't asking us to take a break from our emotions, but instead to be truly authentic and real with them. Try to stop saying you're "fine" when you're not and practice opening up about how you truly feel.
5. Social rest
Depending on whether you're an introvert or extrovert, being around people can either drain or uplift you. Understanding what you need to feel energized is important so you can take the time you need to recharge.
6. Creative rest
If you've ever felt stuck or in a rut, this type of rest is essential. Our day-to-day lives are filled with moments of problem solving, whether you realize it or not! The best way to reinvigorate your desire to create is to surround yourself by things that inspire you without feeling any pressure to actually produce. Go to an art gallery, take a walk in nature, listen to music, sit at a coffee shop with music. Each of these activities supports your brain's ability to feel free to wonder and explore just for fun.
7. Spiritual rest
You don't have to be religious to take advantage of this type of rest. It's about connecting with something or someone on a deeper level. Join a community group that practices a hobby you like, go to a yoga class, volunteer at a shelter, or go on a nature retreat.
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