It’s Time to Rest: 5 Types of Rest to Add Into Your Routine

Written by: Bailey Smith, M.Ed.

Whenever we are facing a season that can bring with it times of busyness and activity, it can also be a great time to prioritize rest. We all may think of different things when we think about rest. Rest can look different for different people depending on their personality, their stage of life, and even their mood in the moment. Let’s take a look at 5 different types of rest that we can consider incorporating into our lives.

Physical

Physical rest is probably the type most of us call to mind first. Whether it looks like setting aside an afternoon for a nap, going to bed a little earlier, or sleeping in because there are no school or work obligations to tend to, physical rest can help rejuvenate the body. You may benefit from physical rest if you notice yourself feeling fatigued throughout the day.

Mental

Mental rest means taking a break from the constant mental stimulation that bombards us in our modern world. Resting mentally could look like taking a technology break, practicing mindfulness activities such as meditation or breathing exercises, or watching a light, fluffy tv show or movie. You may benefit from mental rest if you find yourself feeling stressed out or overwhelmed.

Emotional

Although it may sound counterintuitive, emotional rest can include various ways of expressing and processing our emotions, such as journaling, talking with a close friend or family member, or listening to music that relates to our mood. You may benefit from emotional rest if you find yourself experiencing emotions that don’t fit the situation or feeling burnt out.

Social

How we rest socially depends heavily on our personality type, with a particular emphasis on introversion and extraversion. For some, resting socially means taking some time alone, while for others it may look like spending quality time with close friends or family. You may benefit from social rest if you find yourself dreading your typical social patterns or feeling disconnected from your closest relationships.

Spiritual

Resting spiritually can include a variety of personal spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or time in nature, as well as corporate spiritual practices such as attending a worship service or volunteering for a cause that is meaningful to you. You may benefit from spiritual rest if you find yourself feeling uninspired or lacking purpose and meaning in your life.

After reading this list, take a moment to pause and reflect on what type of rest you most need to incorporate in your routine this week, this month, and during this season.