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The world may seem incredibly divided right now, but I think we can all agree on one thing: we’re utterly exhausted. And not just a little tired—I’m talking about all-caps EXHAUSTED. Some days, I feel so overwhelmed that I can barely resist the urge to curl up in a ball and cry. Honestly, even crying feels like too much work at this point; all I can manage is a deep sigh.
It turns out, my fatigue might not stem solely from sleepless nights or binge-watching shows. It might be because we’re not getting the right kind of rest. Not just sleep, but actual restorative rest.
Mind. Blown.
Dr. Lena Thompson, author of “The Art of Rest,” explains, “If you’re not intentionally taking time to rest, you’re not strengthening your resilience.” Well, that certainly clarifies a lot.
Here’s the dilemma: I can barely manage to get one type of rest (i.e., sleep), so how am I supposed to tackle six others? I’m sure many of you can relate. Once the “workday” wraps up, we jump into our second or even third jobs—volunteering, tackling emails, paying bills, doing laundry, preparing dinner, and, oh, we’re out of snacks again!
No wonder rest feels so elusive. Let’s break down the 7 types of rest and see how they play out in real life:
1. Physical Rest
The good news is that physical rest isn’t limited to sleep. Thank goodness! It also includes active recovery like yoga or massages. The downside? Most of us aren’t getting enough sleep, and massages can be both time-consuming and costly. Plus, every time I attempt to do yoga, my cat decides it’s the perfect time to snuggle on top of me.
2. Mental Rest
This one is straightforward—our minds need a break from the constant grind. With everything going on globally, it’s no surprise we’re mentally drained. Grocery shopping has become a stressful event, and decisions like whether to send kids to school in person are daunting. Dr. Thompson suggests scheduling short breaks every couple of hours at work, but honestly, even thinking about adding breaks feels overwhelming right now.
3. Sensory Rest
Bright lights, computer screens, and endless background noise can overwhelm our senses. This explains why my eyes are twitchy and why listening to my kids argue while I’m on a work call drives me crazy. After a long week, all I want is to escape into Netflix—but is that really a break?
4. Emotional Rest
I initially thought this type of rest was a joke. Given that I feel on the verge of tears daily, I figured I was far from emotionally rested. But Dr. Thompson states, “An emotionally rested person can honestly say ‘I’m not okay’ and share what’s bothering them.” So maybe I’m semi-emotionally rested since I’ve started responding with a “<> I’m just getting by.”
5. Social Rest
This doesn’t mean you need a packed social calendar; rather, it’s about spending time with uplifting people and stepping back from those who drain your energy. In this era of Zoom fatigue, it’s perfectly acceptable to turn off your camera for a breather.
6. Spiritual Rest
Spiritual rest involves both traditional practices like meditation and community involvement. Time for me to revisit my mindfulness app!
7. Creative Rest
I took up knitting about a year ago, and even though I’m not great at it, it has been a refreshing outlet. Creative rest can also mean spending time in nature, so perhaps it’s time to plan a trip to a nearby park.
In all seriousness, Dr. Thompson is onto something important. I’ve often wondered why I still feel drained despite getting a decent amount of sleep. It turns out I’m not focusing on the other types of rest I need.
The tough truth is, I’m partially responsible for my own lack of rest. While many factors are beyond our control, I recognize I need to be better at setting boundaries, saying no, and allowing myself to unwind. Perhaps you do too.
So, grant yourself the permission to cancel plans that don’t excite you and take that spa day (once you’re vaccinated, of course) with your best friend. Consider it a prescription for your well-being.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this blog post and for reliable information, visit Make a Mom. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, head over to NHS.
Summary:
The article explores the seven types of rest we all need to combat exhaustion, including physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, spiritual, and creative rest. It emphasizes the importance of not just getting sleep but also engaging in various restorative practices to enhance overall well-being. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, it encourages readers to prioritize their rest and self-care.
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