Rest, an act of Revolution
The 7 Types of Rest - How Your Hormonal Health and Wellbeing Can Benefit from Each
For many reasons, women often prioritize productivity and success over self-care and rest. As a result, this one versus the other mindset may leave us feeling exhausted and burnt out. Rest is vital to our overall well-being and hormonal balance. Period. Full stop. Let's discuss the seven types of rest, described by Dr. Saundra Daulton-Smith, and ways to support each type that will help you to better honor rest in your life.
1. Creative Rest: Creative rest refers to taking a break from the demands of creativity. To support this, try simple steps such as taking a step away from your project, engaging in some other form of art, or listening to music. You can also try practicing a skill that is less familiar to you. This type of rest boosts creativity and motivation, which leads to better focus, more inspiration, and even supports cellular health.
2. Physical Rest: Physical rest involves resting your body and muscles. Get enough sleep, take regular breaks, or simply go for a walk. This type of rest allows your body to heal, repair muscles, and reduce inflammation. This rest is essential.
3. Mental Rest: Mental rest entails letting go of racing thoughts, mental tasks, and work pressures. To support this, try taking breaks throughout the day, meditating, or practicing deep breathing exercises. You can also limit screen time or engage in activities that help quiet your mind. This type of rest enhances memory, focus, cognitive clarity, increases serenity and reduces anxiety.
4. Emotional Rest: Emotional rest occurs when you allow yourself to feel your emotions, acknowledge them, and honor them. To support this, consider seeking a therapist's connection, engaging in activities that bring you joy, cultivating emotionally supportive relationships, and taking personal time off. This type of rest allows you to heal from emotional stressors, bringing more joy and ease to life.
5. Sensory Rest: Sensory rest occurs when you allow yourself to disconnect from sensory stimuli, such as loud noise, bright lights, large crowds, or strong scents. To support this, try going to a quiet place, taking a technology-free day, or indulging in a relaxing activity. This type of rest can help calm and center the nervous system, support mood swings, decrease tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and other sensory conditions.
6. Spiritual Rest: Spiritual rest happens when you connect with a value system, a higher power, or your purpose. To support this, practice meditation, feeling gratitude, surround yourself with nature, or engage in spiritual lifting activities. This type of rest can foster a more grounded and balanced sense of self, bring clear intentions, soften judgement, and promotes general feelings of joy and awe.
7. Social Rest: Social rest involves stepping away from social situations and into solitude or supportive connections. To support this, try limiting social media, spending time in nature, connecting with close friends or family, or practicing self-care activities. This type of rest can lead to more fulfilling social connections and increase feelings of safety and comfort.
Understanding the seven different types of rest and how to support each type can transform your overall well-being and hormonal health. By committing to nurturing each type, you can cultivate a lifestyle that emphasizes grounding, increased self-care and honor your need for rest, while still achieving your goals and exploring your passions. Remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself and take it one day at a time.
Your well-rested self will thank you!
xo,
Kristin