The Types Of Rest Your Body Needs

Feeling a little more fatigued than normal, in multiple aspects of your life? We can all agree it's been a pretty hectic year for everyone - after a couple of lockdowns and a whirlwindy emotional rollercoaster, we're in desperate need of some R&R this holiday season.

At the end of the day, we need to be taking care of ourselves and listening to what our body needs. It can be hard to pinpoint what type of rest and recovery we're after but once we know what's fuelling us (the things we rely on) and draining us (what tires us out the most) we'll be able to reset and come back stronger and focused, more than ever before! Here are the different types of rest you might need.

Emotional rest

If you're feeling emotionally disconnected, overwhelmed or experiencing intense emotions - this could be a sign to slow down. If you are a people pleaser, in an environment where you need to connect emotionally or a person that says "yes" to just about everything, you may need time to pause and take a step back. Emotional rest may look like:

• Journaling ✍️
• Having a heart to heart (D&M) with someone you trust 🫂
• Seeking therapy
• Setting boundaries 🙅
• Expressing how you're feeling
• Surrounding youself with people you can be yourself around

Sensory rest

Coming out from months of isolation and lockdown, your senses may become overwhelmed with tons of stimuli all day long. Think honks from traffic or loud music at the club. If you're feeling depleted by exposure to noise, electronics or lights, you may need a little sensory silence. Sensory rest may look like:

• Limiting time on electronic devices 
• Turning down bright lights or loud sounds 🔅
• Shutting your eyes for a few minutes to recharge
• Aromatherapy
• Incorporating moments of silence within your day 🤫
• Taking some time off social media

Mental rest

Some call it "brain fog" and others may call it the "2pm slump". That sudden whoosh of exhaustion after midday? This is your body's way of telling you that it's time for a mental reset, ASAP. When our minds become too crowded with thoughts, we need some time off to switch off. Mental rest may look like:

• Scheduling regular breaks
• Spending time in nature 🍃
• Turning off devices
• Creating and repeating affirmations + mantras 🧘‍♂️
• Listening to calming music
• Engaging in a grounding activity 🎨

Physical rest

Passive physical rest is when your body is actually asleep, whereas active physical rest is an activity that restores the body. Phyiscal rest may look like:

• Adequate sleep (get those 8 hours) 🛌
• Naps when needed
• Yoga 
• Breathwork 
• Massage therapy 💆
• Stretching

Social rest

Every interaction, even online interactions, sucks energy out of us. Sometimes, this can be extremely exhausting after a long day. Can’t remember the last time you were alone? Feeling weighed down by the expectations of people in your life? It might be time for a rejuvenating social rest. Social rest may look like:

• Spending more time with those that inspire you
• Taking a break from socialising 🙊
• Spending less time with those who drain you
• Spending time alone if it feels safe to 👤

Spiritual rest

Feeling a little lost, unfulfilled or empty in your everyday life? We might need to reconnect with our sense of purpose and find meaning - this largely influences our wellbeing. Spiritual rest may look like:

• Meditating or praying ✨
• Listening to spiritual talks 
• Explore or learn about new worldviews 📚
• Associating with like minded people
• Spending time in different environments
• Volunteering 

Creative rest

If you’re lacking inspiration and drawing blanks, take a break! There’s no way to force ideas. Get some rest and allow for creative sparks to come naturally. If your field requires you to be creative, it’s especially important to schedule in time for a bit of me-time and rest - creative rest may look like:

• Reading something inspiring
• Watching something uplifting 📺
• Nature walks
• Listening to a podcast, music or TED Talk 🎧
• Surrounding yourself with inspiration 💡