Sleep vs. Rest – Why You May Be Feeling Tired Despite Getting Plenty of Sleep
Feeling tired may not always indicate a need for more sleep. Rather, your mind and body may be asking for rest. While we use those two terms synonymously and sleep is an important component of physical rest, it is only one of the seven types of rest needed for an individual to feel energized.
What are the 7 Types of Rest?
Physical Rest – Passive physical rest includes sleeping and napping. Active physical rest are restorative activities including yoga, stretching, and massage therapy that help improve the body’s circulation, balance, mobility and flexibility.
Mental Rest – Taking a peaceful vacation may help to calm the racing thoughts that are difficult to silence while trying to focus or fall asleep. However, there are more sustainable long-term solutions such as scheduling breaks every few hours throughout your day to rest your brain.
Social Rest – Despite being introverted or extroverted, we all benefit from social rest. Try taking a look at your relationships – which are reviving and which are exhausting? For more social rest, prioritize spending quality time with individuals in your life who simply want to be around you without needing anything from you.
Sensory Rest – Putting on an album or sitting down with a hot tea and a good book can be relaxing at times. Sometimes it can be more restful to shut off our brainpower and have some content free time. Try allowing total silence on your next drive home. If you feel a wave of stress come, find a quiet space where you can shut your eyes and be alone in silence for a few minutes to focus on your breathing.
Emotional Rest – You may feel that you always have to keep your emotions “in check” and that you don’t have freedom to be truly authentic about what you’re feeling. Look for opportunities to allow yourself to be vulnerable in appropriate settings to share those feelings. Take a break from carrying all that emotional labor on your own.
Creative Rest – We use creativity in problem solving, brainstorming, and thinking outside the box. We may have significant trouble doing these things when in need of creative rest. Practice creative rest by allowing yourself to simply appreciate beauty of things like nature, artwork, and music. Allow yourself time taking in the arts for what they are without overthinking, analyzing, trying to change or correct.
Spiritual Rest – Spiritual needs varies from person to person. No matter your beliefs, individuals have a need for purpose, love from others, and a sense of belonging. Without spiritual rest, you may have trouble feeling like what you do each day has an impact that matters. To nurture your spiritual rest consider meditation, gratitude practices, or giving back to your community.
Sources:
The 7 Types of Rest That Every Person Needs | Saundra Dalton-Smith | Tedx Ideas
