7 Types of Rest: How to truly rest and feel like yourself again

"Still Tired After Sleeping?" The Reason Might Be How You Rest.

Have you ever felt like, "I slept properly, but for some reason, I'm still tired"? If so, it's possible that your method of resting isn't the right fit for you.

According to the American physician Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith, "We get worn down in various ways every day. Therefore, to restore our minds and bodies, we need seven types of rest."

In other words, the idea is that there isn't just one single cause of fatigue. It's essential to get high-quality rest that corresponds to the specific areas where you feel depleted.　

Here, we will introduce the "7 types of rest" in an easy-to-understand way, showing you how to rest deeply and effectively.

① Physical Rest

This is the most easily imagined form of rest: letting your body recover. It's time dedicated to physical healing through activities like sleeping, stretching, getting a massage, or taking a lukewarm bath. For those who sit in front of a computer all day or drive for long hours, active rest (like light exercise) can also lead to recovery.

② Mental Rest

When your brain is tired from constant thinking and information overload, signs can appear as a lack of focus, irritability, or an inability to stop thinking before bed. When this happens, it's effective to consciously cool down your brain. Set aside time for a digital detox or intentionally create moments of doing nothing. Give your brain enough time to relax, organise, and reconstruct information. There is also a technique called a "brain dump," where you write out all your tasks and worries. This has the effect of freeing up your brain's memory. After writing everything down, simply acknowledging that "I don't have to do this right now" can make you feel much lighter.

③ Emotional Rest

When you are constantly considerate of others or suppressing your own feelings, you can become emotionally exhausted without even realising it. That's why you need time to safely release your true emotions. This can lead to reducing feelings of hardship in life by talking to family and friends, or by discovering and accepting your inner feelings through counselling.

Counselling, by speaking with a professional counsellor or psychologist, can help you organise your emotions and gain new insights. The presence of a professional who listens with empathy and without judgment can be a powerful source of support, helping you live as your true self. Furthermore, due to confidentiality, you can speak your mind with confidence.

④ Social Rest

Does meeting people feel draining, yet the thought of declining invitations also weighs on you? This might be a sign that you're tired of managing your "social distance" with others. The key is balance: spend time with people you don't have to be on guard with, or make time for yourself.

⑤ Sensory Rest

Smartphones, computers, noise... modern life constantly bombards our senses. Stepping away from devices, creating time away from screens, or just closing your eyes in a quiet place can calm your mind simply by reducing stimulation.

⑥ Creative Rest

Can't come up with new ideas? Don't find joy in anything? This could be a sign that your creativity is depleted. There are "input" methods, like appreciating beautiful scenery, watching a movie, or engaging with music and art, as well as "output" methods, like cooking or gardening. Free your mind from fixed ideas, take in new inspiration, and bring the sparkle back to your heart.

⑦ Spiritual Rest

Do you ever feel like you've lost your sense of self-worth, or that your heart feels empty? Spiritual rest isn't limited to specific religious acts or what is typically referred to as 'spiritualism.' It also includes feeling a sense of respect and gratitude for nature and places, much like the traditional Japanese reverence for "the god of the mountain" or "the god of the river." By connecting with the great outdoors, tending to a garden, or participating in local activities, you can gain a sense of connection to a larger existence (like your local community or nature). This helps you reaffirm your existence not through thought, but through feeling, and will gently promote healing.

Which Type of Rest Do You Need?

When you feel tired, it's natural to think, "I need more sleep." However, what you might truly need is to recognise which part of you is tired and to take the appropriate type of rest.

 Use these seven types of rest as a guide to help you find the perfect way to rest for you.

Now feeling ready to address your fatigue head-on? Book an appointment with me to start your journey toward lasting well-being.

Shaw Psychology Phone:  (03) 9969 2190

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