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Rest: 5 types of REST you are probably already doing!

Writer's picture: Jessica TurnerJessica Turner

Updated: Aug 7, 2023


In our fast-paced, high-stress world, the concept of rest often gets overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We tend to associate rest with merely taking a break or finding a moment of relaxation, but it goes beyond that. Rest is about more than napping on the sofa or binging on a favorite TV show. It encompasses a wide range of activities and practices that allow our minds and bodies to recover and restore.

Let's explore the different dimensions of rest and how they contribute to our overall well-being.

  1. Physical Rest: Sleep, Stretching, Nourishment, and Mindful Movement Physical rest is perhaps the most obvious and well-known form of rest. It includes getting enough sleep to allow our bodies to heal and rejuvenate. Additionally, activities such as stretching, consuming nourishing foods, and engaging in mindful movement, like yoga or walking in nature, help relieve physical tension and promote a sense of well-being.


2. Mental Rest: Non-Thinking Activities and Single Tasking Our minds are constantly buzzing

with thoughts, plans, and worries. Mental rest involves finding respite from this mental chatter.

Engaging in non-thinking activities such as baking, painting, gardening, or simply immersing

ourselves in a single task can provide a break from the cognitive overload and offer a sense

of calm and clarity.



3. Emotional Rest: Healthy Emotional Expression and Connection Emotional rest involves

acknowledging and addressing our emotions. It means allowing ourselves to express and

process our feelings in healthy ways, such as through crying, journaling, or seeking therapy. It

also encompasses the importance of fostering connections and cultivating supportive

relationships, where we can share our emotions rather than suppressing them.


4. Social Rest: Hugs, Solitude, Intimacy, and Community Social rest recognizes the impact of

our social interactions on our well-being. It involves finding a balance between moments of

solitude and times of connection. Social rest can be found in the comfort of a hug or the

solace of alone time. It can also be experienced through intimate relationships or being part

of a supportive community or activist group.




5. Sensory Rest: Soothing Senses and Creating Calm Environments Our senses are constantly

bombarded with stimuli, which can be overwhelming and draining. Sensory rest entails

creating moments of tranquility by embracing silence, listening to relaxing music, wearing

comfortable clothing, enjoying pleasant scents, or indulging in gentle touch. It involves

deliberately soothing our senses to find a sense of peace and relaxation.


6. Spiritual Rest: Meditation, Prayer, and Connecting with the Self Spiritual rest transcends

religious beliefs and encompasses practices that help us connect with our inner selves. It can

be found in activities like meditation, prayer, or engaging in yoga. Spiritual rest provides a

space for reflection, introspection, and finding a sense of purpose and meaning.


5. Creative Rest: Expression and Exploration of Imagination Engaging in creative activities

can bring a sense of fulfillment and rejuvenation. Creative rest involves exploring various forms

of self-expression, such as drawing, cake decorating, trying new recipes, or immersing

ourselves in the world of literature. It allows us to tap into our imagination, find joy in the

process, and awaken our inner creativity.




6. Playful Rest: Fun and Unproductive Activities Playful rest reminds us to take time for

lighthearted and enjoyable activities that have no particular goal or outcome. It can be as

simple as watching a romantic comedy, playing a board game, doing a puzzle, or building

a fort. Playful rest encourages us to embrace the moment, let go of productivity, and indulge in

pure fun and relaxation.


7. Ecological Rest: Nurturing Our Connection with Nature Ecological rest emphasizes our

relationship with the natural world. It involves caring for house plants, embracing car-free

days, growing our own vegetables or fruits, hiking, or bird watching. Engaging with nature

helps us recharge and reconnect with the environment, fostering a sense of peace and

appreciation for the world around us.



8. Altruistic Rest: Giving Without Expecting Anything in Return Altruistic rest is about giving

selflessly and contributing to something larger than ourselves. It includes acts of deep listening,

volunteering, engaging in random acts of kindness, or simply holding space for others.

Altruistic rest allows us to experience the fulfillment that comes from helping others, while also

recognizing our own interconnectedness.



Rest Is Productive!

Contrary to popular belief, rest is not an unproductive or wasted time. It is a vital component of a healthy and balanced life. Restorative activities help us recharge, restore our energy, and enhance our overall well-being. By incorporating different forms of rest into our lives, we can find a greater sense of peace, improve our productivity, and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.


So, next time you think about rest, remember that it's more than just a break. It's a holistic approach to nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls, allowing us to thrive in an increasingly demanding world. Prioritize rest in your life and watch how it transforms your well-being and happiness.



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