7 types of rest
Are you familiar with the 7 types of rest? Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith says that while sleep serves a basic physiological function, it is only one component of well-being. While we need sleep to recover, replenish our energy and repair our bodies at a cellular level, there are 7 types of rest needed to restore your body’s energy. Think of your energy as if it is a bank account. How many withdrawals versus deposits are you making? When you engage in these different types of rest, you are building a much more diversified portfolio in your “account”:
Physical Rest
Physical rest supports our body’s need to recover from exerting ourselves throughout the day. It includes both passive rest (including sleeping, taking a nap, laying down) and active rest (examples here would include gentle stretching, yoga, walking).
Mental Rest
Mental rest helps to quiet our busy minds. When you feel forgetful or unable to focus, this is a surefire sign you need more mental rest. To incorporate this into your routine, swap reaching for your phone with scheduling short breaks between tasks just as you would any other responsibility, keeping a notepad to offload thoughts (having one on a nightstand next to your bed can be helpful!), or practicing mindfulness breaks. Headspace and Mindful are two great apps to download with 5-minute meditations.
Creative Rest
Creative rest restores your capacity for imagination and problem‑solving. You can tap into your creativity by visiting a museum or gallery, spending time in nature, pursuing a new hobby, or surrounding yourself with things that will inspire you: art, music, dance, poetry, books….or people!
Social Rest
Social rest is about balancing the energy you gain or lose from activities you engage in and social interactions. This might entail asking yourself: does this situation/person energize me or deplete me? and then adjusting accordingly.
Emotional Rest
Emotional rest comes from being able to express your feelings authentically. This can be easier said than done, especially for people pleasers. When we prioritize the needs of others over our own needs for emotional stability and regulation, we are more likely to be exhausted or harbour feelings of anger, resentment, or even guilt. The most beneficial action you can do to engage in emotional test is setting and honouring boundaries and avoiding saying “yes” automatically or out of feelings of obligation.
Sensory Rest
Sensory rest encourages us to reduce overstimulation from screens, noise, bright lights, and constant notifications which seems like the norm in the technological world we live in. Try reducing the chaos and noise around you by dimming the lights in a room (this is especially helpful if you work in an office setting with harsh overhead lighting) and decompress in a quiet room. I would argue that our digital world makes this one especially important. I have many digital wellness tips on my website, but some of the most effective ones are setting screen-free hours and zones in your home, using grayscale mode, taking digital sabbaticals on weekends, and taking breaks from social media throughout the week - remember to ask yourself “why” (am I picking up my phone) and “what” (am I hoping to achieve) before you pick up your phone!
Spiritual Rest
Spiritual rest provides a sense of meaning, belonging, purpose, and connection to something larger than yourself. This can be religious, spiritual, philosophical, or community‑oriented. You might find this by practicing meditation, going for an awe walk, forest bathing, prayer, volunteering, or participating in a community group that aligns with your core values.
Which type of rest do you engage most in and which one(s) are you wanting to dedicate more time to?
~Kate
The information provided by Rooted in Wellness Canada is solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are struggling, you are advised to consult with your physician or other medical professionals.
