Get 7 types of rest:
Have you ever slept 7+ hours but still felt
EXHAUSTED?
Me too.
While sleeping is physical rest,
You actually need 7 types of rest to avoid burnout
(According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith).
So stay at your best with these 7 types of rest:
1. Physical Rest
Lack of sleep and overtraining deplete your body’s energy.
Get two types of physical rest, passive and active:
Passive
- Sleep 7+ hrs nightly
- Take power naps (as needed)
Active
- Stretch
- Get a massage
- Use an ergonomic chair + desk
2. Mental Rest
Mental rest deficit is caused by overtaxing your thinking.
- Write down your to-dos
- Reference checklists (packing, groceries, etc.)
- Create a shutdown ritual to separate work and life
- Take a break from problem-solving
- Meditate
3. Social Rest
Evaluate your relationships.
- Spend more time with people who give you energy
- Spend less time with people who steal your energy
- If you’re an introvert, block out time to be alone
4. Spiritual Rest
Be part of something bigger than yourself.
- Volunteer
- Work a job that feels purpose-driven
- Participate in faith-based activities (if aligned to your belief system)
5. Sensory Rest
The modern individual is overstimulated.
- Take a break from social media
- Turn off notifications (sounds and visual alerts)
- Limit video meetings
- Set a relaxing evening ambiance (soothing music, candles, etc.)
6. Emotional Rest
Emotional rest deficit occurs when you feel like you can’t be authentic.
Ex: An airline attendant who must always smile, despite rude passengers.
- Spend time with people you can be authentic around
- Try speaking with a therapist to release emotional labor
7. Creative Rest
Appreciate the beauty in any form, whether natural or human-created:
Natural
- Take in a sunrise or sunset
- Go for a walk in nature
Human-created
- Visit a museum or art festival
- Engage with inspiring music, books, documentaries, etc.
Dr. Dalton-Smith recommends starting with your 1-2 biggest rest deficits
(And not trying to eat the whole elephant at once).
Then, over time, create daily and weekly habits to get all 7.