In today’s chaotic world, one thing is universally acknowledged: we are all utterly drained. Not just tired; we’re all-caps EXHAUSTED. There are days when I feel so worn out that the thought of curling up and crying seems like too much effort. Honestly, I’m stuck in the sighing phase—just trying to catch my breath.
It turns out that my fatigue is not solely due to sleepless nights or binge-watching my favorite shows. I’m lacking real rest—not just sleep, but various forms of restorative downtime. Mind. Blown.
Dr. Emily Carter, author of The Power of Rest, emphasizes that without intentional rest, we can’t build resilience in our lives. Well, that certainly sheds some light on things.
Here’s the kicker: I can barely manage to get one type of rest (sleep), so how on earth am I expected to incorporate six more? I’m guessing many of you feel the same way. Even after the “work day” wraps up, we jump into our side gigs—whether it’s volunteering, answering emails, or tackling household chores like the never-ending battle against laundry. Seriously, we’re out of snacks again!
Here’s a breakdown of the seven types of rest and how we often misinterpret them:
- Physical Rest
Good news: physical rest isn’t limited to sleep. It also includes active recovery like yoga or massages. Bad news? I’m not getting enough sleep and can’t afford a massage. Plus, whenever I attempt yoga, my dog thinks it’s playtime. - Mental Rest
Our minds require breaks from the relentless cycle of thoughts, especially during stressful times like a global pandemic. Dalton-Carter suggests scheduling short breaks every couple of hours during work, but honestly, that just adds more pressure to my already chaotic life. - Sensory Rest
Bright lights, screens, and constant noise can overwhelm our senses. My eyes are twitching, and even the sound of my kids arguing while I’m on a call makes my ears ache. By the weekend, I can hardly look at screens anymore, yet I end up binging shows—defeating the purpose. - Emotional Rest
It can be challenging to admit when we’re struggling. An emotionally rested person can truthfully express feelings instead of pretending everything is fine. I’ve started admitting, “I’m not okay,” which might mean I’m getting some emotional rest, or maybe I’ve just reached my limit. - Social Rest
This doesn’t mean having a packed social calendar; instead, it’s about spending time with those who uplift you and distancing yourself from energy-draining relationships. During these Zoom-heavy times, turning off the camera is a welcome relief. - Spiritual Rest
Spiritual rest covers traditional practices like meditation, and also includes community engagement. It might be time to revisit those mindfulness apps. - Creative Rest
Engaging in creative activities, like knitting or spending time in nature, can be revitalizing. If you’ve been meaning to plan a getaway, now’s the time to visit that nearby national park.
In all seriousness, Dr. Carter is on to something important. I’ve struggled to understand why I feel so drained despite getting enough sleep. The reality is that I’m not getting enough diverse forms of rest. Part of the problem is my own tendency to overcommit. While many factors are out of our control, I need to learn to say “no” more often, set boundaries, and take time for myself. Perhaps you do too.
So give yourself permission to skip plans with acquaintances you don’t truly enjoy and plan a rejuvenating day with a close friend. Consider it self-care!
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In summary, we often overlook the necessity of various types of rest in our lives. By understanding and actively seeking out these seven forms, we can combat the overwhelming exhaustion that plagues us. Prioritizing rest can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.