7 Types of Rest for Mental and Physical Health! The 7 Types of Rest You Need!

Rest, everyone needs it to maintain both physical and mental health. But is rest just about closing your eyes or getting 6-8 hours of sleep? If sleep alone provided complete rest, why do we still feel tired in the morning, lack the motivation to work, or feel like taking a break?

This happens because sleep only gives you physical rest. But to relieve daily life stress and maintain mental, physical, and spiritual balance.

There are 7 types of rest that everyone needs. Let’s explore these 7 types of rest:

1. Physical Rest: You need physical rest when your body is in pain, you feel exhausted, or after doing some physical activity. Physical rest includes sleeping, taking naps, exercising, stretching, or getting a massage. Doing these activities helps repair body tissues, reduces stress, and restores your energy levels.
2. Mental Rest: Mental rest is needed when you have trouble thinking clearly, your mind is racing at night, or you’re struggling to remember things. To get mental rest, take short breaks during work and practice meditation. This gives your mind a break and provides mental clarity.
3. Emotional Rest: You need emotional rest when you feel sad, angry, irritated, or when you can't express your feelings to anyone. In such cases, talk to a trusted friend or loved one and practice self-care.
4. Sensory Rest: Sensory rest is required when you feel overwhelmed by the lights, sounds, and all the digital devices around you. To achieve sensory rest, spend time away from electronic devices in a natural setting, which helps calm your mind and makes you feel relaxed.
5. Creative Rest: Creative rest is necessary when you feel like you’ve been doing the same thing for a long time, feel stuck, or lack the desire to start something new. In such situations, visit a museum or art gallery, explore places with handicrafts, listen to music, or read a new book to find inspiration.
6. Social Rest: Social rest is needed when you’re tired of interacting with people or attending social gatherings, and you just want to be alone. Spend time with a supportive friend and avoid social gatherings so you can think positively and build meaningful relationships, staying away from fake people.
7. Spiritual Rest: Spiritual rest is required when you feel like there’s nothing worthwhile in life, or when you can't find a purpose. In such cases, practice meditation, prayer, or engage in acts of service. This helps you understand the purpose of your existence and realize how important you are.

So, if you’re feeling exhausted, check what type of rest you need and take it generously. Because "Self-care can get your power back!"

Source:-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5342845/ 

               2. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/Rethinking-Rest-guide-from-the-Mental-Health-Foundation.pdf