Rest is critically important for our basic functioning and survival, and yet we regularly try to give it up, get by in less, or half-ass it by multi-tasking.
Saundra Dalton-Smith (author of the book “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity) has identified
7 types of rest:
🌀 Physical – resting the body through activities like napping, massage, or sitting still
🌀 Mental – rest your mind through activities like meditation, reading something enjoyable, tuning out, or getting into a flow state
🌀 Emotional – rest your heart through activities like letting yourself feel your feelings, or having a good talk with a friend or therapist
🌀 Social – rest your nervous system through activities like connecting with good friends, spending time with uplifting people, or spending enough alone time to avoid energy depletion
🌀 Spiritual – rest your soul through activities like forest bathing, contemplating the wonder of the universe, appreciating masterworks or art or music, or praying
🌀 Creative – rest your rigid drive forward with activities like playing, experimenting, daydreaming, or making any kind of art
🌀 Sensory – rest your nervous system through activities like avoiding screens and harsh stimuli, closing your eyes, listening to white noise, turning off the news
“if you get tired, learn to rest, not quit” -Banksy
Better yet, learn to rest before you get tired and keep these different types of rest in your toolbox.
