Now that we have started the 7th month of the year, we might be starting to feel a bit jaded, a lack of energy or at worse heading for burnout! It is time to pause and understand why ‘rest’ is an essential part of our wellbeing. 

‘Rest’ should be prioritised, and this is even more so for those that are feeling stressed or exhaustion. It is a crucial component of a balanced life. ‘Rest’ is important for both physical and mental wellbeing. 

Our bodies must repair itself and our minds need to process information and reduce stress. Adequate rest can improve our sleep quality, boost mood, enhance our focus and promote overall wellbeing.

Did you know that there are 7 types of ‘rest’?

Let’s look and see how we can avoid burnout and perform at our best! 
Below are the 7 types of ‘rest’, the signs that you need to ‘rest’ and how to get it for overall wellbeing!

Physical Rest

Signs you need it: Lack of energy. Aches pains and soreness
How to get it: Aim for 7+ hours of sleep every night and nap if needed. Breathe, do Yoga, get a massage

Mental Rest

Signs you need it: Limited mental energy. Feel fog or haziness. Snap or annoy easily
How to get it: Block times out to sit without distractions. Listen to music that soothes you. Meditate and prayer

Emotional Rest

Signs you need it: Excessive anxiety or worrying. Insecurity or self-doubt. Feelings of being overwhelmed
How to get it: Avoid comparisons to others. Seek support. Remove energy drains like toxic or high maintenance people

Spiritual Rest

Signs you need it: Can’t self-motivate. Feel hopeless, trapped or insignificant. Less satisfied with life
How to get it: Practice daily gratitude. Volunteer, or work on purpose driven tasks.

Social Rest

Signs you need it: Feelings of loneliness. Detachment from family and friends. Find it draining to spend time with others.
How to get it: 1:1 time with someone who recharges you. Space from those who drain you. Join a club or group of like-minded people.

Sensory Rest

Signs you need it: Eyes feel heavy or strained. Loud sounds bother you. Can’t taste or smell anything
How to get it: Take time away from all screens. Change what’s bothering you i.e. lower the music, dim the lights etc. Softley, close your eyes for a minute

Creative Rest

Signs you need it: No free time in your day. Struggle to brainstorm. Don’t see the aww and beauty of nature
How to get it: Take small breaks (15 Minutes during the day) and BIG breaks (Annual leave). Spend carefree time outdoors. Dance, read or go to shows

To make the second part of the year count and keep ourselves in good physical and mental condition, take time this month to ‘rest’. Re-charge your self and you will avoid burnout and perform at your very best!