Different Types of Rest
“My body can’t nap”
“If I nap I won’t be able to sleep”
“I just feel more tired after a nap”
News flash! Napping is not the only form of resting! There are different kinds of rest and each supports our bodies in a different way.
Physical rest:
Passive: sleeping, napping
Active: yoga, stretching, deep breathing, gentle walk
-> These help restore muscles and organ function
Mental rest:
- giving your mind a break from thinking
- scheduling in breaks in your work day
- mindfulness practices, writing
- single-tasking, taking your time, enjoying the process
-> These help to reduce cognitive fatigue
Sensory rest:
- reduce sensory load via screen time, lights, noise
- spending time in nature
-> switch into parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ nervous system state
Emotional rest:
- expressing feelings without judgement, fear
- seeking support
- expressing honest feelings to a trusted person
- setting boundaries, saying ‘no’
- stepping back from draining situations
-> reduce emotional labour
Creative rest:
- engaging in a playful or inspiring activity
- immersion into nature, art, music
-> reignite wonder and awe, create space for imagination and problem-solving
Spiritual rest:
- connecting to community or something greater than yourself
- volunteering, meditating, praying, gratitude
-> honour our state of belonging and meaning
Here’s some more examples of rest that can be incorporated into your daily routine:
Morning
5-10 minutes of meditation, deep breathing, dynamic mobility stretches, journaling, a walk, set a gentle goal for the day
Midday
Bask in the sun, screen-free lunch time, reach out to someone you love or who uplifts you
Afternoon
Take a 15-minute break, listen to a great song, doodle in a notebook, look at the trees/sky, stretch
Evening
Limit screen time, journal or talk with someone supportive about your day, reflect on your goals/intentions/choices, read
Incorporating even 5-10 minutes of a different kind of rest per day can make a difference long-term. Our mental and physical state benefit and we find ourselves more present and productive.
