The 7 types of rest

Just as not all hours are created equal energy-wise, we need different kinds of rest too. In this article, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith proposes that to feel truly rested there are actually seven types we need:

1. Physical rest, which can be passive (like sleeping) or active (like stretching or massage)
2. Mental rest, to disengage the brain (e.g. by taking a break from work)
3. Sensory rest, such as by closing your eyes, or turning off your phone an hour before bed
4. Creative rest, or doing something to feel inspired (whether that’s art, or nature)
5. Emotional rest, which might mean expressing true feelings instead of saying “I’m fine” when you’re not
6. Social rest, by surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people
7. Spiritual rest, through prayer, meditation or community involvement

(If you’re into this, the rest of the How to be a Better Human articles are pretty great.)