7 Types of Rest (& What They Look Like)
Rest isn’t just sleep.
According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, there are seven types of rest we need. If you feel constantly tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might be missing one (or more!) of these.
Here’s a breakdown of each type of rest, what it is, how to identify if you need it, and how to take it:
1. Physical Rest
What it is: Rest that helps your body recover
Signs you need it: Sore muscles, chronic fatigue, frequent illness, tension in your body
How to take it:
▫️ Passive rest: sleeping, napping
▫️ Active rest: stretching, gentle yoga, massage, long bath, restorative movement
2. Mental Rest
What it is: Rest that calms your mind
Signs you need it: Racing thoughts, brain fog, trouble remembering things and/or focusing
How to take it:
▫️ Take breaks between tasks
▫️ Keep a notebook nearby to dump and release thoughts (and if journaling isn’t your thing, you can also record a voice memo to talk through your thoughts)
▫️ Meditate or take some deep breaths
3. Emotional Rest
What it is: Rest from people-pleasing, emotional labor, or hiding your feelings
Signs you need it: Feeling emotionally drained, resentful, burned out from holding space for others
How to take it:
▫️ Speak honestly about how you’re feeling
▫️ Say ‘no’
▫️ Spend time with people where you don’t have to put on a mask or explain yourself
4. Social Rest
What it is: Rest from draining social interactions
Signs you need it: Feeling isolated even when you’re with others or feeling exhausted after socializing
How to take it:
▫️ Spend some time in solitude, enjoying your own company without guilt
▫️ Quality time with someone who brings you comfort
▫️ Limit small talk and superficial interactions
5. Sensory Rest
What it is: Rest from sensory stimulation (screens, lights, noise, etc.)
Signs you need it: Eye strain, irritability, feeling overstimulated or easily agitated
How to take it:
▫️ Put your devices on ‘do not disturb’
▫️ Close your eyes for a few minutes
▫️ Step away from screens
▫️ Spend time in dim light or a quiet space
6. Creative Rest
What it is: Rest that replenishes inspiration, awe, and imagination
Signs you need it: Feeling uninspired, stuck, blocked, or disconnected
How to take it:
▫️ Take a mindful walk outside, observing natural beauty
▫️ Visit a museum or listen to the lyrics of a favorite song
▫️ Allow yourself to play and create something without expectations
7. Spiritual Rest
What it is: Rest that connects you to something greater than yourself
Signs you need it: Feeling aimless, disconnected, hopeless, or questioning your purpose
How to take it:
▫️ meditation, prayer, or spiritual practice
▫️ Time in nature
▫️ Volunteering or being of service to others
▫️ Aligning your actions with your values
💭 💭 💭
Which type of rest do you need most right now?
… and how can you give yourself that rest?
7 types of rest explained, types of rest beyond sleep, rest for mind body spirit, emotional rest practices, creative rest and spiritual rest