Incorporating the 7 Types of Rest: 5 Ideas for Each

Feeling drained even after a good night’s sleep? Wondering why your “rest days” don’t leave you feeling recharged? Rest is often misunderstood—it’s about far more than sleep. In fact, there are seven distinct types of rest we all need to live fully and thrive.

In our latest podcast episode, "Rest Isn't Working? The 7 Types of Rest You Didn't Know You Needed," we dive deep into these concepts:

• Why rest isn’t one-size-fits-all.
• How to identify the type of rest you’re missing.
• Practical ways to incorporate each type of rest into your life.

By understanding the full spectrum of rest, you can begin to truly recharge and restore your body, mind, and spirit. Tune in now to explore these essential practices and discover how to make rest a restorative, life-giving habit.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each type of rest and practical ways to incorporate them into your day.

1. Physical Rest

1. Take a 10-20 minute nap in a quiet, cozy space.
2. Stretch your body in the morning or before bed to release tension.
3. Practice restorative yoga or gentle movements to relax sore muscles.
4. Schedule a "do-nothing" evening where you simply relax without an agenda with your feet up the wall / legs on a bench and just physically rest.
5. Swap intense workouts for a leisurely walk.

2. Mental Rest

1. Write down everything on your mind before bed to stop mental spinning.
2. Practice mindfulness by focusing on your breathing for 3-5 minutes.
3. Take short breaks during work to give your brain time to reset. Bonus if you close your eyes.
4. Try doodling on a sheet of paper mindlessly.
5. Spend a few minutes looking out your window watching the clouds or a peaceful scene to see what your wandering mind notices.

3. Sensory Rest

1. Unplug from all devices for 30-60 minutes, or longer if possible. 
2. Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to enjoy quiet.
3. Dim the lights in the evening to reduce visual stimulation.
4. Spend time in a calm natural setting, like your backyard, a park or garden, or some place away from artificial noise.
5. Take a break from crowded or overstimulating environments and go to a quiet room. 

4. Creative Rest

1. Walk outside and take in the beauty of nature—trees, flowers, and skies.
2. Visit an art exhibit, listen to music, or watch a play.
3. Engage in a creative hobby, like painting, photography, or knitting.
4. Rearrange a space in your home to make it feel fresh and inspiring.
5. Keep a “wonder journal” to jot down anything that sparks curiosity or awe.

5. Emotional Rest

1. Talk to a trusted friend or counselor about how you’re feeling.
2. Journal honestly about your emotions and what’s been weighing on you.
3. Practice saying “no” to things that feel emotionally draining.
4. Create a space where you can cry, laugh, or express yourself without judgment.
5. Limit time with people who drain your energy or cause emotional stress.

6. Social Rest

1. Schedule intentional time with people who energize and uplift you.
2. Take a day off from social media or mute notifications from group chats.
3. Enjoy quiet alone time to recover after being social.
4. Create boundaries to avoid overcommitting to social obligations.
5. Plan one-on-one time with a close friend rather than large group activities.

7. Spiritual Rest

1. Spend time in prayer or meditation, focusing on gratitude or reflection.
2. Volunteer for a cause that aligns with your values and gives you a sense of purpose.
3. Read scripture, devotional books, or spiritual texts that inspire you.
4. Practice forgiveness or release lingering guilt and burdens through reflection.
5. Engage in a group or community that shares your spiritual beliefs. Get back to going to services if you've been skipping them! 

Start Small and Build

You don’t need to tackle all seven types of rest at once. Start by identifying the area where you feel most depleted, and experiment with one or two ideas. Rest is about discovering what fills you up and restores your energy, one step at a time.