The 7 types of rest you need
We often think of rest as a simple, physical break - a good night’s sleep or lying down to recharge after a long day. While sleep is an essential part of rest, it’s not the only way to restore your energy levels. In fact, there are seven distinct types of rest, and each one targets a different aspect of your life.
When you understand these types, you can be more intentional about the rest you need, allowing you to recharge in a way that’s truly restorative.
Let’s break down the seven types of rest, when you might need each one, and how to incorporate them into your life.
1. Physical Rest
When You Need It: After physical exertion—whether it’s a tough workout, a long day on your feet, or just general fatigue from daily activities.
What It Does: Physical rest restores the body’s muscles, joints, and overall physical energy. This kind of rest helps reduce inflammation, allows your body to repair itself, and ensures you're not pushing yourself to physical burnout.
How to Incorporate It:
Passive Rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, or have a massage.
Restore Your Nutrients: Infusions of vitamins and hydration through IV can improve physical recovery and enhance wellness.
Active Rest: Incorporate low-impact activities like walking, stretching, or yoga to keep your body moving without overexertion.
2. Mental Rest
When You Need It: When your mind feels foggy, overwhelmed, or you're constantly thinking about problems or tasks.
What It Does: Mental rest is crucial for calming the constant chatter of your mind. It helps you focus, improve cognitive performance, and avoid mental burnout. If you find it hard to concentrate or make decisions, your brain is likely craving rest.
How to Incorporate It:
Meditation or Breathwork: Just 5-10 minutes of mindfulness meditation can clear your mind, or take a 9D Breathwork class.
Unplug: Take regular breaks from screens and avoid multitasking.
Change of Environment: A quick walk or time away from your usual surroundings can reset your mental focus.
3. Emotional Rest
When You Need It: When you’re feeling emotionally drained, overly sensitive, or just "spent" after interacting with others and always being “on”
What It Does: Emotional rest helps you recharge after navigating complex emotions—whether it's managing stress, conflict, or simply being there for others. This kind of rest allows you to process emotions, regain emotional balance, and protect your emotional well-being.
How to Incorporate It:
Let Your Emotions Flow: Talk without a filter to a friend, family member or Life Coach
Journal: Writing down your feelings can help you process and release pent-up emotions.
Cry it Out: This simple act can provide measurable emotional relief.
Set Boundaries: Sometimes, taking a step back from people or situations that are emotionally draining is the best form of rest.
4. Sensory Rest
When You Need It: After a long day of exposure to bright lights, loud sounds, or constant stimulation (like screens, busy environments or rambunctious kids).
What It Does: Sensory rest restores your senses—especially your eyes, ears, and nervous system. If you’ve been overstimulated by noise, bright lights, or screens, you might feel mentally tired, short tempered, or experience physical symptoms like headaches or tension.
How to Incorporate It:
Dim the Lights: Reduce exposure to bright lights, especially blue light from screens, in the evening.
Quiet Time: Take breaks from noise by sitting in a quiet space or using noise-canceling headphones.
Disconnect from Screens: Try a tech-free hour to give your eyes a break.
No Touch: Say no to physical touch to give your nervous time to regulate.
5. Creative Rest
When You Need It: When you’re struggling to think outside the box, to make decisions, feeling uninspired, or experiencing creative blocks in your work or hobbies.
What It Does: Creative rest restores your ability to innovate and think creatively. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a problem-solver, or just looking for fresh ideas, this rest helps clear your mind and reinvigorate your imagination.
How to Incorporate It:
Spend Time in Nature: Being in a natural environment has been shown to enhance creativity.
Engage with Art: Visit a museum, watch a movie, or engage with creative work to stimulate your own creative juices.
Let Your Mind Wander: Sometimes, stepping away from a project and allowing your mind to freely explore new ideas can lead to breakthroughs.
6. Social Rest
When to Use It: After periods of constant socializing, whether it’s at work, with friends, or in large Holiday gatherings.
What It Does: Social rest allows you to restore your energy from social interactions. If you’re feeling drained by being around people (especially if you identify as an introvert), this type of rest helps you recharge and process social input.
How to Incorporate It:
Alone Time: Carve out time for solitude to recharge your emotional and mental energy.
Limit Social Obligations: Say no to extra social engagements when you feel overextended. Create space for yourself in social settings—take breaks, step away, or limit your time.
Positive Social Interaction: Spend time with someone who energizes you.
7. Spiritual Rest
When You Need It: When you feel lonely, disconnected from your values, purpose, or a sense of inner peace. This could arise from feeling out of alignment with your deeper beliefs or struggling to find meaning in daily tasks.
What It Does: Spiritual rest helps you reconnect with your sense of purpose, faith, or inner peace. It restores the sense of connectedness to something bigger than yourself, whether it's through religion, meditation, nature, or personal values.
How to Incorporate It:
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: These practices can help you reconnect with your inner self and gain perspective.
Spend Time in Nature: Many people find that being in nature fosters a deeper spiritual connection.
Explore Your Spiritual Energy: Have your Akashic Records read by a practitioner for insights and knowledge about your soul’s journey.
Engage in Activities that Align with Your Values: Whether it's volunteering, attending spiritual services, or participating in activities that bring you joy and purpose, these actions nourish your soul. You can work with a Life Coach to help define your core values.
Knowing what signs indicate you need rest is the second step. The first step is intentionally checking in on your Self to notice if you are experiencing any of the signs. Once you identify which areas of your life need rest, it’s time to take action.
Be Intentional: Don’t wait for exhaustion to set in. Plan for rest regularly, especially in areas where you tend to drain yourself.
Balance Your Rest: Rest in all areas of your life, not just physical or mental. Aim for a holistic approach.
Set Boundaries: Be mindful of your limits, and don’t hesitate to say no when you’re stretched too thin.
Rest is about restoring balance to the different areas of your life, from your body and mind to your emotions, creativity, and spirit. By understanding the seven types of rest, you can identify which areas need attention and take focused action to recharge in a way that will truly restore your energy.
The next time you’re feeling drained, ask yourself: "What kind of rest do I need?" The answer might surprise you.
