Seven Types of Rest? It’s No Wonder We’re All So Exhausted!

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In a world filled with division and chaos, one thing is universally true: we’re all utterly drained. Not just tired, but capital-letters EXHAUSTED. Some days, I feel so overwhelmed that curling up and crying seems like the only option. But honestly, that takes too much energy. I’m currently stuck in the sighing phase.

My exhaustion might go beyond just sleepless nights or endless episodes on Netflix. It turns out we’re not getting enough actual rest—not just sleep, but true, restorative rest. Mind. Blown.

Dr. Amanda Thompson, author of “Sacred Rest,” states, “If you’re not intentionally resting, you’re not fostering resilience in your life.” Well, that explains quite a bit.

Here’s the kicker: I struggle to manage even one type of rest (i.e., sleep), so how am I supposed to juggle the other six? I bet you’re feeling the same. After the workday, it’s not over; there are second and even third jobs waiting for us. We have volunteer commitments, emails to send, bills to pay, laundry to tackle, dinner to cook, and groceries to buy online—oh look, we’re out of snacks again.

This is why finding rest feels impossible.

Here’s a breakdown of the seven types of rest we actually need—and how they usually play out for us:

  1. Physical Rest
    The good news is physical rest isn’t limited to just sleep (thank goodness, or we’d all be in trouble). It also includes active rest like yoga or massages. However, it’s tough to manage sleep and even harder to find time or money for a massage. My attempts at yoga often involve my dog climbing on my back!
  2. Mental Rest
    This type is pretty straightforward—our minds need a break from the constant hustle. Given the state of the world, it’s no wonder we struggle here. A trip to the grocery store is now a mental marathon. Dr. Thompson suggests scheduling short breaks every couple of hours, but just thinking about that adds to my stress.
  3. Sensory Rest
    Bright lights, screens, and background noise can overwhelm our senses. After staring at screens for hours, I often can’t bear to look at another device. This leads me to binge-watch Netflix, which might defeat the purpose.
  4. Emotional Rest
    I initially thought this one was a joke. Given my near-daily tears, the idea of emotional rest felt impossible. But according to Dr. Thompson, being able to answer “How are you?” with a genuine response counts as emotional rest. I might be emotionally rested since my answer often involves a heavy sigh.
  5. Social Rest
    This doesn’t mean a packed social calendar; it means spending time with people who uplift you and taking a break from energy-drainers. It’s perfectly acceptable to turn off that camera during Zoom calls.
  6. Spiritual Rest
    This includes practices like prayer and meditation, as well as community service. I think it’s time for me to get back into my meditation routine.
  7. Creative Rest
    I took up knitting about a year ago, and while I’m not great at it, it’s been a wonderful source of creative rest. Spending time in nature is also a part of this, so I should consider planning a trip to a nearby park.

Dr. Thompson has hit the nail on the head. Despite getting 7-8 hours of sleep, I’ve struggled to understand why I still feel exhausted. It’s because I’m not getting the rest I need. I also realize that I’m partially to blame for this lack of rest. There’s much out of my control, but I need to learn to say “no” more often, set boundaries, and allow myself time to breathe. Maybe you do too.

So give yourself permission to cancel plans that don’t excite you and prioritize a spa day with your closest friend. Consider it a prescription for your well-being.

If you’re interested in more insights, check out this related post here. For more information on home insemination, visit the expert source at Make a Mom. Additionally, for scientific insights, you can explore Science Daily.

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Summary:

The article explores the seven essential types of rest that many of us are lacking, contributing to our overwhelming exhaustion. It highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing various forms of rest, such as physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, spiritual, and creative. By understanding these different types of rest, we can work towards fostering a more balanced and restorative lifestyle.


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