The 7 Types of Rest We All Need

We all need a good rest. But what type?

There are 7 types of rest we all need:

1. Physical

2. Mental

3. Social

4. Creative

5. Emotional

6. Spiritual

7. Sensory

Differentiating between these types is important because we might only be focusing on one of these in our busy lives.

This also explains why you have a sleep and can still feel exhausted. Sleep does help us to rest but not necessarily in all of the types identified.

Sometimes, resting doesn’t involve sleep at all and our chronic lack of energy needs addressing in other ways.

Sleep is just one part of the big picture and when we give time to other types of rest then this can make us more productive.

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, “Rest should equal restoration in seven key areas of your life.”

Getting rest right is crucial to our wellbeing. As Dr Dalton-Smith says,

Rest is the most underused, chemical-free, safe and effective alternative therapy available to us.

Another way to look at rest is to see the 7 types as types of energy. Through the day and week we are using these types of energy but some more than others. Those with the highest deficit are going to be the ones making us feel depleted.

We all have a rest deficit in more than one area but the trick is to focus on the areas where the rest deficit has the most impact and so we can press reset and recharge.

Next time you think to yourself, “I’m shattered,” dive a little deeper and try to pinpoint just what sort of rest you’re lacking exactly.

For a more detailed look at the 7 types of rest with examples then take a look at the article by Allaya Cooks-Campbell and come to an understanding of how you can help yourself.

So give it a rest and get some rest.