The Power of Rest: Understanding the 7 Types of Rest You Need

In my time being in the healthcare field, chronic fatigue is in the list of top 5 ailments that I see bring clients to a clinic.In this post based on an article I recently read, we'll explore the seven types of rest we need and how to incorporate them into our lives for improved health and wellbeing.

Physical Rest

The first type of rest we need is physical rest, which can be passive or active. Passive physical rest includes sleeping and napping, while active physical rest means restorative activities such as yoga, stretching, and massage therapy that help improve the body's circulation and flexibility. Incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routines can help promote better physical rest, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Mental Rest

Do you struggle to concentrate, feel irritable, or find yourself unable to turn off your brain at night? You may be experiencing a mental rest deficit. To combat this, schedule short breaks every two hours throughout your workday to slow down and clear your mind. You might also keep a notepad by your bed to jot down any nagging thoughts that would keep you awake.

Sensory Rest

Bright lights, computer screens, background noise, and multiple conversations can cause our senses to feel overwhelmed. Intentional moments of sensory deprivation can help undo the damage inflicted by an over-stimulating world. Taking time to close your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day or intentionally unplugging from electronics at the end of the day can help promote sensory rest and improved wellbeing.

Creative Rest

Creative rest is especially important for anyone who must solve problems or brainstorm new ideas. It reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us. Whether you take in the beauty of the outdoors or enjoy the arts, turn your workspace into a place of inspiration by displaying images of places you love and works of art that speak to you.

Emotional Rest

Emotional rest requires having the time and space to freely express your feelings and cut back on pleasing people. It also requires the courage to be authentic. To experience more emotional rest, surround yourself with positive and supportive people who build you up and allow you to be your authentic self.

Social Rest

Social rest occurs when we differentiate between relationships that revive us and those that exhaust us. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people to experience more social rest, even if your interactions have to occur virtually. Engage more fully in conversations by turning on your camera and focusing on the person you're speaking to.

Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest is the ability to connect beyond the physical and mental and feel a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose. To receive this, engage in something greater than yourself and add prayer, meditation, or community involvement to your daily routine.

While sleep is an important component of rest, it alone cannot fully restore us to the point of feeling rested every time. Incorporating the seven types of rest into our daily routines can help promote improved health and wellbeing.

Fatigue can also be associated with numerous health problems, and warrants a discussion with your Health Coach. At Aevum Health Coaching, we understand the importance of rest and its impact on our overall health and wellbeing. We offer Coaching and support to help you achieve the type(s) of rest you need to feel your best. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

Caroline C. Duncan

Founder, Aevum Coaching 

Link to layman’s article: https://ideas.ted.com/tag/how-to-be-a-better-human/