Beyond Sleep: The Seven Types of Rest You Didn't Know You Needed
Inspired by the insights of Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, it's time to broaden our understanding of rest in our hustle-centric culture.
Physical Rest: Not Just a Power Nap
When we think of physical rest, it's often limited to sleeping or napping. But there's more to it—active physical rest. That means engaging in activities like yoga, stretching, or even a rejuvenating massage to improve circulation and flexibility.
Mental Rest: Declutter Your Mind
Constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and the ever-looming existential crises—we get it. Mental rest is essential. Take short breaks during your day, perhaps even setting reminders to breathe and slow down. Keep a notepad next to your bed to unload those nagging thoughts.
Sensory and Creative Rest: Reset and Recharge
Scrolling through social media and staring at screens all day is sensory overload. How about taking a tech detox or simply closing your eyes for a minute? Then there's creative rest. Let's awaken our innate creativity by embracing nature, art, or music that moves us.
Emotional and Social Rest: Boundaries are Cool
It's exhausting to be "on" all the time. Emotional rest allows us the freedom to express ourselves authentically. Meanwhile, social rest is about investing in relationships that rejuvenate us. Being around supportive, uplifting people makes a world of difference.
Spiritual Rest: Feed Your Soul
In a world teeming with external noise, spiritual rest offers a deep sense of peace and purpose. Whether it's through meditation, prayer, or community involvement, connecting with something greater than ourselves is key.
The NESTS Approach
Remember NESTS? It stands for Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Time management, and Stress management. These factors are intertwined with the seven types of rest, emphasizing a more comprehensive approach to wellness.
The Final Takeaway: Be Intentional About Your Rest
Sleep won't solve everything. It's about restorative rest in seven key aspects of your life. Let's stop wearing exhaustion as a badge of honor. Instead, let's be as intentional about our rest as we are about our hustle.
Warmly,
Dr. Holly