7 Types of Rest You Need

May is Mental Health Month! 

In honor of this awareness month, we’re going to explore 7 types of rest that everyone needs. That’s right! There’s more than just sleep as a type of rest. Let’s explore: 

Important Note: Sometimes we need more than rest. Talking about mental illness or negative mental health can be hard. But it’s important that you do! The National Institutes of Health says nearly 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness. This means mental illness and negative mental health are common problems. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor. 

1. Physical Rest 

Physical rest is passive or active rest of the body. 

• Passive physical rest activities are things like sleeping and napping 
• Active physical rest activities are activities that can improve your health and well-being. Activities like: 
• Yoga
• Stretching 
• Massage Therapy 

2. Mental Rest

Mental rest is rest that gives your mind a break from thoughts. People who don’t get enough mental rest can feel like they never get enough sleep! This is because your brain needs a break. 

• Take short breaks during your day to slow down and take your mind off of your to-do list 
• Instead of trying to remember, keep a notepad near you to write down important thoughts 

3. Sensory Rest 

Sensory rest is taking time away from bright lights, computer screens, background noise, or multiple conversations. Taking rest away from things that can cause our senses to feel overwhelmed is important! 

• You can simply close your eyes and take a deep breath to experience sensory rest 
• Remove overwhelming distractions 
• Schedule time to “unplug.” This means putting down your phone or turning off your computer 

4. Creative Rest 

Creative rest is taking time away from problem-solving or coming up with new ideas. Creative rest can be very important for people who: 

• Work in jobs that require them to be creative a lot 
• Students who have to be creative for school projects 
• Are having to come up with activities for their friend group 
• Are having to plan and create meals for their family 

Creative rest allows us to be more creative! 

• Spending time in beautiful places in nature is a way to have creative rest 
• Spending time surrounded by art and music is a way to have creative rest 

5. Emotional Rest 

Emotional rest is making space to express your feelings. Emotional rest requires you to be real with others around you. This can look like: 

• Saying no when someone asks you to do a favor you don’t want to do 
• Telling people the truth when they ask you “how are you feeling,” even if you are feeling bad 
• Allowing yourself to feel your feelings 

6. Social Rest 

Social rest is when we take breaks from people who make us tired. This does not always mean taking time away from all people. You can experience social rest by being around people that make you feel good. Social rest can look like: 

• Taking time away from others to do something just for yourself 
• Spending time with the people you enjoy most 
• Turning your camera off during virtual meetings 

7. Spiritual Rest 

Spiritual rest is finding places where you feel like you belong. This can be faith-based or not, or both! Feeling accepted by others and feeling love are important! You can have spiritual rest by: 

• Finding a community you want to be involved in, and joining 

We need more than sleep to rest! We hope these 7 types of rest can help you feel calmer, happier, and more like yourself. It is important to take care of yourself and get all the kinds of rest you need. 

References: 

• National Institutes of Health Mental Health Statistics 
• Ted Ideas: 7 Types of Rest