Humans are told to get enough sleep because it is a foundational part of our overall functioning and well-being. Sleep allows us to take a break, reset, rebuild, consolidate memories, and rid the body of toxins. The chronic absence of sleep can result in physical ailments and emotional problems, and makes it more difficult for the body to have immunity against mental and environmental stressors. We are able to maintain complex bodily functions, stay alert, and interpret what seems like infinite data in our environment, and all of this is made possible with sleep. However, there is a difference between sleep and rest. Have you ever noticed that even when you get a full eight hours of sleep, you wake up not feeling rested, content, or upbeat? While sleep provides important building blocks to our health and well-being, rest represents the powerful mechanism of restoration to support various key life domains. There is no denying that sleep is essential, but what if there are other types of rest that are needed to have a fulfilling and thriving life?
According to Saundra Dalton-Smith, M.D., her book Sacred Rest, and as seen on Ted Talks, there are seven types of rest that humans need to effectively function and live fully. The first type of rest is physical and can be either passive or active. Sleep and naps are passive types of physical rest, and yoga, massage, and stretching are active types of physical rest. Secondly, mental rest means taking breaks and reminding ourselves to slow down the typical fast pace our brains function at. This type of rest entails techniques to quiet the mind, such as meditation or journaling, in order to clear cerebral space. Third, we need sensory rest such as breaks from things that activate our senses. For instance, we are often bombarded by bright lights, digital screens, loud noises, and background sounds, all of which can be taxing to our minds and bodies. In turn, we benefit from taking away these stimulating features by closing our eyes for a few minutes midday, intentionally taking breaks from electronics, and having quiet moments to reset and recharge. Fourth, creative rest is helpful to reawaken the awe and wonder in ourselves. We can do so by appreciating all types of beauty, such as with the arts through music, dance, and theater, as well as with natural forms of beauty found in nature like the mountains and beach. Fifth, we need to focus on emotional rest through self-reflections to help us authentically get in touch with how we feel rather than self-sacrifice for the sake of others without considering how we feel. Sixth, social rest is needed when we can no longer differentiate between relationships that revitalize us versus exhaust us, so rest is encouraged by being around positive and supportive people. Lastly, the seventh type of rest is spiritual which entails a connection and sense of belonging that is bigger than the self. Activities to support this type of rest are meditation, faith, volunteering, and being involved in your community.
As you review these types of rest for restoration, consider ways to integrate some of the areas of greater need in your life. If you notice you are quick to anger, easily triggered, or crying frequently about small matters, you would likely benefit from emotional rest. If you feel uncharacteristically overwhelmed by your environment, and have tired eyes, altered vision, and headaches, consider getting sensory rest. If you are feeling dulled by your daily routine, and lack appreciation for the things you do have, perhaps creative or spiritual rest would be advantageous. As we become more intentional about utilizing these restorative techniques, they can provide us with more fulfilling daily lifestyles and improved quality of life overall.