Learn To Take Control of Your Rest So You Can Reclaim Wholeness
Explore the most overlooked form of rest when sleep isn't enough
Spirit of Peace and Presence, breathe into us a new rhythm, one that honors rest as a sacred necessity, not a weakness. Help us to listen deeply to what our bodies, minds, and souls need and are asking for. May we remember that rest is sacred, not selfish, and because it is sacred, may it guide us toward restorative practices so that we may be fully present in our work, family, and passions. May it be so.
Seven types of rest and why they matter
Most people associate rest with sleep. If you haven’t figured it out yet, that is definitely not what this is about. In fact, although sleep is a very high priority for healing our bodies, rest is a very diverse and layered concept.
Spiritual Rest: The first time I thought about the concept of spiritual rest, I thought it was odd, but spiritual rest is when you connect deeply with a Higher Power (God, Buddha, Allah, etc.) through forms of prayer, meditation, or time in nature. This is a type of rest that helps you stay grounded and reminds you that you belong in the Universe because it reconnects you to something greater than yourself.
Mental Rest: Have you ever uttered the words, “I am mentally exhausted?” That’s when your mind is feeling noisy. Mental rest is about clearing away the noise so your thoughts don’t spiral and your productivity suffers. Taking a few moments to breathe, journal, or go for a walk can help you restore and refocus.
It’s very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop through chronic tension and worrying; it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and find creative solutions to problems.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Physical Rest: Many athletes understand the importance of physical rest because it helps their muscles and bodies recover, allowing them to be stronger. Physical rest includes passive rest (sleep and naps) and active rest (stretching or gentle movement). Both types of rest allow your body to heal, restore, and realign. When you don’t give yourself permission to have physical rest, you will most likely head into burnout.
Emotional Rest: When you don’t have to people-please, you are able to be authentic and honest with yourself and others. This is so important for managing long-term stress and preventing burnout.
Sensory Rest: I have written about this in the past. Turning off electronics and anything that overstimulates your mind and body helps you to regain balance. Turn off the notifications. Heck, turn off the electronics altogether and sit in silence or enjoy the ambiance of a candle-lit room. This helps your five senses not become overwhelmed.
When you rest, you catch your breath and it holds you up, like water wings…— Anne Lamott
Social Rest: I’m guessing the extroverts are exploding at this thought, but stick with me. Think about how some relationships can be draining while others can energize you. Social rest means being intentional in surrounding yourself with people who nourish your spirit. Set boundaries with those who drain your spirit.
Creative Rest: This is my favorite type of rest because it becomes an invitation to experience or create something that inspires awe and wonder. Marilyn Flower knows all about this with her soul collages! We all need beauty, inspiration, and wonder. Sometimes we can combine that with nature or silence. When you are creative, it rejuvenates a part of you that dreams and imagines. So, go ahead and create that music, art, collage, or get out into nature.
Real rest feels like every cell is thanking you for taking care of you. It’s calm, not full of checklists and chores. It’s simple: not multitasking; not fixing broken things.
— Jennifer Williamson
Rest as a spiritual practice
Remember … rest is not being lazy. Rest is sacred. It is an act of spiritual defiance against a go-go-go culture that measures your worth by how much you do. Whew! That made me tired just thinking about it!
To rest means returning to the truth that you are already enough. Do you hear that, those of you in the back? I know, it took me a while to understand this and its importance.
Y’all … Jesus rested. Mystics rested. Creation pauses. And so must you.
In the many forms of rest, this is where healing begins. It is a foundation for clarity, joy, purpose, and resilience. When you can honor the seven kinds of rest, you will move closer to living a fully integrated life — mind, body, and spirit — completely in harmony.
As you read through the seven types of rest, which one or two do you tend to neglect? Why do you suppose that is?
What types of environments or relationships drain your spirit and energy? Which ones energize and nurture you? Take note of those.
When you allow yourself to rest, how does your spirit feel? How does your soul feel?
Track Your Rest: Spend one week tracking which types of rest you get and which one(s) you are lacking. Take note of your energy, emotions, and spiritual well-being.
Set Boundaries: As a spiritual practice, set boundaries with your time, social media, and relationships to create space for rest. Set calendar reminders just as you would for a meeting or important date. Remember that rest is an act of love for yourself and others.
Sacred Rest Ritual: Choose one type of rest and create a weekly ritual around it. For example, take a 30-minute “sensory sabbath” every Sunday with no screens, lights, or sounds and let the stillness nurture your spirit and soul.
May you treasure rest and be intentional to allow it to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. May you turn toward it not only when you are tired, but when your spirit yearns to dream. May you trust that rest is deserved, not something you need to earn. May the quiet moments restore you, the beauty around you inspire you, and the Spirit within you renew you again and again. May it be so.
May you know that you are loved because you matter.
May your soul be refreshed.
sdg