The 7 Types of Rest: How to Recharge Your Mind, Body & Soul
You ever wake up after a full eight hours of sleep and still feel drained? That’s because rest is more than just sleep. Girl you need to rest! Many of us push ourselves to the limit, thinking sleep alone will fix our exhaustion, when in reality, we need different types of rest to fully recharge. If you’re constantly tired despite getting enough sleep, you’re probably missing one (or more) of these essential rest types.
Let’s break down the 7 different types of rest you need to feel truly restored and energized.
1. Physical Rest (Active & Passive)
What It Is:
Physical rest includes both passive rest (sleep, napping) and active rest (activities that promote relaxation, like stretching, massages, and yoga). This type of rest helps restore your body from physical exertion, tension, and stress.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel physically exhausted even when you wake up.
- You experience muscle pain or tension.
- You’re relying on caffeine just to function.
How to Get It:
- Prioritize quality sleep with a set bedtime.
- Incorporate active rest through stretching, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Treat yourself to massages or warm baths for muscle recovery.
2. Mental Rest
What It Is:
Mental rest means giving your brain a break from constant thinking, decision-making, and overstimulation. If your mind is always racing, you’re probably mentally exhausted.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel forgetful and struggle to concentrate.
- Your mind races at night, making it hard to sleep.
- You feel mentally foggy or overwhelmed.
How to Get It:
- Schedule mental breaks throughout your day (5-minute pauses between tasks).
- Practice brain-dumping by writing out your thoughts before bed.
- Reduce decision fatigue by planning meals and outfits in advance.
3. Sensory Rest
What It Is:
In today’s digital world, we are constantly bombarded with noise, screens, and lights. Sensory rest helps us unplug and reset our overstimulated nervous system.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or screens.
- Your eyes feel tired or strained.
- You feel drained after long hours on your phone or computer.
How to Get It:
- Reduce screen time, especially before bed.
- Take moments of silence throughout the day.
- Try blue light blocking glasses if you’re on screens for long periods.
- Spend time in nature to reset your senses.
4. Creative Rest
What It Is:
Creative rest is about reigniting your inspiration. If you feel stuck, uninspired, or mentally drained, you likely need a break from problem-solving and creativity overload.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel stuck in a creative block.
- You struggle to come up with new ideas.
- You’ve lost excitement for things that once inspired you.
How to Get It:
- Expose yourself to new experiences (travel, museums, nature, books).
- Allow yourself time to daydream without pressure.
- Engage in creativity without expectation (painting, journaling, dancing). One of my favorite ways to get creative rest is to color. I love these coloring pages from EthnicEarring.
5. Emotional Rest
What It Is:
Emotional rest means releasing emotional burdens and setting boundaries. If you constantly feel drained from managing other people’s emotions, you need this type of rest.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel emotionally exhausted from people-pleasing.
- You suppress your emotions to avoid conflict.
- You feel resentful or emotionally depleted.
How to Get It:
- Practice saying no without guilt. No is a full sentence!
- Talk to someone you trust about your emotions.
- Journal your thoughts to process feelings.
6. Social Rest
What It Is:
Social rest is about evaluating who drains your energy versus who restores it. It’s not about isolating yourself but being intentional about your social interactions.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel exhausted after being around certain people.
- You crave alone time but feel guilty taking it.
- You feel emotionally drained after social events.
How to Get It:
- Spend more time with energy-giving people.
- Limit interactions with people who drain you. (we call them energy vampires)
- Prioritize alone time without feeling guilty.
7. Spiritual Rest
What It Is:
Spiritual rest is about feeling connected to something greater than yourself. Whether through faith, purpose, or mindfulness, this type of rest brings deep fulfillment.
Signs You Need It:
- You feel disconnected from your sense of purpose.
- You crave deeper meaning in your life.
- You feel spiritually unfulfilled or lost.
How to Get It:
- Engage in prayer, meditation, or reflection.
- Volunteer or engage in acts of service.
- Spend time in nature or with loved ones who uplift your spirit. My fave activity is to go to the beach or any large body of water. As a scorpio, the water just CALLS me!
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Rest for a Balanced Life
If you’ve been feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep, it’s time to check in with yourself and see which types of rest you’re lacking. True rest goes beyond just sleeping—it’s about recharging your mind, body, and soul in all areas of life.
Start incorporating these different types of rest into your daily routine, and watch how your energy, creativity, and overall well-being transform.
Which type of rest do you need the most right now? Drop a comment below!
