“Real rest feels like every cell is thanking you for taking care of you. It’s calm, not full of checklists and chores. It’s simple: not multitasking; not fixing broken things.” – Jennifer Williamson
Rest can feel elusive in today’s always-connected, perpetually-hurried life. Ways that we used to nurture ourselves and things we used to enjoy get pushed aside for lengthy to-do lists, deadlines and a never ending list of other people’s requests. Maybe you’ve been navigating changes that have you operating in ways that aren’t gentle on your mind or body. I’ve been there. Despite my years of doing “the work” and coaching professionally, I still catch myself feeling lazy when I’m not producing.
Society encourages a “hustle and grind” mentality that requires us to work without listening to our bodies. But as Danielle LaPorte says,
“Your commitment to your wellness is part of the revolution.”
Rest is a practice
This practice involves:
- Taking a closer look at the people, places and activities that no longer serve you
- Unlearning outdating, self-defeating mindsets about slowing down
- Reevaluating what you need to do to really thrive
The 7 types of rest
A basic definition of rest is “to cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength.” According to Saundra Dalton-Smith MD, a physician, researcher and the author of the book “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity,” the 7 types are:
- Physical – napping or sleeping
- Mental – any type of rest that allows your brain to slow down or “shut off”
- Sensory – unplugging from sensory overload caused by technology, loud noises, etcetera
- Creative – refilling your creative well by getting in touch with spaces or activities that inspire you
- Emotional – allows you to express your emotions without constantly needing to manage them internally
- Social – prioritizes social situations that make you feel whole
- Spiritual – when you connect with your spiritual side or something greater than yourself via practices such as prayer or meditation
Take inventory of how you spend your time
Physical Rest Inventory: Reflect on the past week.
- How many hours of restful sleep did you average per night?
- Did you incorporate any short naps or relaxation techniques during your day to rejuvenate physically?
- What changes can you make to enhance your physical rest?
Mental and Sensory Rest Check: Consider how much time you spend on electronic devices and in noisy environments.
- How often do you take breaks to allow your brain to slow down or ‘shut off’?
- What activities help you unplug from sensory overload, and how can you integrate them more regularly into your routine?
Holistic Rest Assessment:
- How often do you engage in activities that replenish your creative, emotional, social, and spiritual energy?
- What practices make you feel most inspired, emotionally balanced, socially fulfilled, and spiritually connected?
After your assessments, identify one specific action you can commit to this week for each type. Remember, small, consistent changes can significantly improve your overall well-being and productivity. Share your action plan with a friend or in your journal, and revisit it at the end of the week to observe the impact on your energy and sanity.
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