By Dr Yakira Mishan
As we approach the holiday period many may feel tired, burnt out and genuinely just exhausted. It is tempting to focus on only one type of rest- doing as little as possible and sleeping as much as possible; however, modern psychology tells us that there are 7 types of rest and all of them are important to our well being.
1.Physical rest
This encompasses sleep which we should aim for 7-9 hours per night .We should also be mindful that we cannot catch-up sleep and therefore should aim for consistently sufficient sleep as much as possible. This also includes physical activity which is less vigorous such as walking or stretching.
2.Mental rest
This is the rest our brains need to quiet those thoughts running through our minds. This includes journaling, meditation, mindfulness or any other means which you use to release stressful thoughts and worries from your mind.
- Sensory rest
Our lives are filled with sensory overload, and it is important to create a space of deprivation for our own recovery. This can look like turning your phone off or leaving it at home for a period of time, stopping screen time before bed or engaging in practices such as the “Five Senses grounding” practice.
- Emotional rest
This is the rest which allows us to be “not fine” when that is how we are feeling. Often we are required to supress our emotions to partake in our daily tasks. This is exhausting for us. Emotional rest is the time to be authentic about your emotions, acknowledge them and share them when it is a safe environment in which to do so. This also includes doing activities which are fun and distracting from the stress we may be experiencing (think spontaneous dance party).
- Social rest
It is important to tap into your own “social battery” . Regardless of if you identify as an introvert , extrovert or ambivert we all need some a lone time and to honour that . While in general social connection is very important for our happiness, this is the rest that allows us to find our “Not tonight” voice.
- Cognitive/ creative rest
This can vary depending on your job and hobbies. Ultimately, being creative or “thinking” all the time can be exhausting and it is important to take some time off from looking for inspiration or planning your next thing. This kind of rest looks like taking a break and stepping away form a project you are working on or a problem you are stuck trying to solve and allowing your brain some time to recharge. Try to find an activity which engages a “flow “state to allow the time to just pass and your conscious mind to relax.
- Spiritual rest
This rest involves connecting with something bigger than ourselves. For many this may be prayer but for others it may be a sense of community and volunteering or time in nature. This rest allows us to feel awe, gratitude and connection.
There is definitely no one way to rest for all of us and we are all unique but it is important to take stock of all of these aspects in our lives and to ask ourselves where we are successfully allowing ourselves to rest and where perhaps we did not even realise that we were exhausted.
References:
- Skowron C, The 7 kind of rest you actually need, Dec 2022, Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-different-kind-of-therapy/202212/the-7-kinds-of-rest-you-need-to-actually-feel-rejuvenated
- Mousinc C. Here are the 7 types of rest that can help you to feel fully renewed.Calm: https://www.calm.com/blog/7-types-of-rest