The rest you need
Let’s talk about the rest we all need. In today’s world it is important to know when mentally, it is time to take a step back and take the rest you need.
More and more, I feel like I must step back and take a rest - even if it is for a walk with the dog in the middle of the day or a longer hike over a weekend to recoup from the week’s stresses. I’m not just talking about physical rest like a nap or getting a good night’s sleep. I am talking about the rest you need to avoid burnout, and we all experience some form of burnout somewhere in our lives. Most of all I am talking about taking a break from social media. I have deleted the apps on my phone for now and just keeping them active on my laptop with strict limitations on time spent there each day. I will probably write another blog post about that soon.
What types of rests are we talking about here? Physical rest, sensory rest, mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, social rest, and creative rest.
Let’s dig a little deeper into each one.
Physical Rest: This one's straightforward. It's all about giving your body the downtime it needs to recuperate from physical exertion. This includes getting enough sleep, taking breaks during work, and incorporating rest days into your exercise routine. Listen to your body when it tells you it needs a breather.
Sensory Rest: In today's world, we're bombarded with sensory stimuli all the time – from screens to sounds to smells. Sensory rest means intentionally dialing down these stimuli. Take breaks from your devices, spend some time in nature, or simply find a quiet space to unwind and give your senses a break.
Mental Rest: Our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts, plans, and worries. Mental rest involves finding ways to quiet that mental chatter. This could be through meditation, mindfulness practices, or simply engaging in activities that help you relax and switch off from the demands of daily life.
Emotional Rest: Dealing with emotions can be exhausting. Emotional rest means permitting yourself to feel your feelings without judgment and finding healthy ways to process them. This might involve talking to a friend or therapist, journaling, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and peace.
Spiritual Rest: Regardless of your religious beliefs, spiritual rest is about nurturing your inner self and finding meaning and purpose in life. This could involve spending time in prayer or meditation, connecting with nature, or engaging in activities that feed your soul and replenish your spirit.
Social Rest: While social connections are important, it's also crucial to recognize when you need a break from socializing. Social rest means setting boundaries and taking time for yourself when you need it, even if it means saying no to social invitations or taking a break from social media.
Creative Rest: Whether you're an artist, writer, or just someone who enjoys being creative, it's essential to give your creative mind a break now and then. Creative rest means stepping away from your projects and allowing yourself time to recharge. This might involve trying out new hobbies, taking a walk, or simply permitting yourself to daydream without any pressure to produce.
Incorporating these different types of rest into your routine can help prevent burnout and keep you feeling balanced and rejuvenated. Remember, self-care isn't selfish – it's essential for your overall well-being.
