The Nine Types of Rest

Rest is very important for our health. We all know that. But did you know there are multiple ways to rest? I was pretty surprised when I learned the nine ways to rest. Isn’t all rest the same? Rest is rest, right?

Apparently not. So, I went on a journey to discover the nine types of rest. And while some of these types of rest were self-explanatory, some of them had me scratching my head in confusion. Here’s what I learned:

Time Away

It’s exactly how it sounds. Get away from your normal environment. Spend some time elsewhere. Sometimes being in the same environment all the time can be stressful even when you’re not doing anything.

Time away from your place of work can be relieving. Because sometimes just looking at your pile of work can trigger your stress. So get up and walk away. A vacation to some island would be nice. But, we can’t always get a trip to an island when we’re stress. So, sometimes just spending some time away from your stress, physically, by stepping outside for a break can help.

Unproductive Rest

Yes! This is everyone’s favorite. This is the mindless binge-watching of Netflix and scrolling through Instagram without a thought in your head. Give yourself permission to not be productive.

Throw away your to-do list and your goals for one day! Be mindless! Sometimes we need that type of rest. It’s not something we should do all the time. But every now and then it’s deserved.

Permission to Not Be Helpful

Some of us have a problem not being helpful. And by some of us, I mostly mean me. If you ask for my help, I’m going to try my best to help even at my own detriment sometimes. And as nice as it is to be helpful, it can be stressful.

So, this is where setting healthy boundaries come in. Set your healthy boundaries. Then give yourself permission to use those boundaries to help yourself to rest. You got to help yourself before you can help others.

What can you give to others if you’re empty? One day being unhelpful will not kill you. It will not ruin your reputation as a helpful person. It will not make you look mean. It is simply a part of your self-care.

Connection with Art and Nature

Take a walk through nature. Go out and enjoy the warm weather. Get back to painting or writing. Connect with your creativity and nature. This type of rest can be particularly refreshing. I usually get a lot of inspiration from just walking outside on a nice day. Even if I am power-walking to someplace instead of leisurely walking.

Solitude to Recharge

Solitude is the most refreshing thing for me. I get my energy to be around people by being alone. I can be patient if I know I will have my time of solitude to recharge.

This time of solitude is just a time to be at peace with yourself. You can take this time to be mindful or mindless. It’s up to you. But enjoy your moments by yourself doing whatever you want to do.

A Break from Responsibility

Stop thinking of what you have to do all the time. Make some time where you do nothing. Forget about the chores you have to do and all the work you have.

I’m not saying procrastinate. I’m saying when you take a break, take a break. Don’t always use your off-days to get extra chores done. Because that means you’re still working and you never really got any off time.

Stillness to Decompress

Sometimes, just sitting still can be restful on its own. Your heart rate comes down and your breathing slows down. Your body is physically at rest when you are still. And sometimes that’s what you need. If you are constantly on the move every day, you may need stillness to decompress. You need to slow down sometimes. Your body will thank you.

Safe Space

This safe space is exactly how it sounds. It’s a place where you feel comfortable and safe to let loose and be yourself. This does not have to be at your house. It can be anywhere: a park, your car, anywhere.

This doesn’t even have to be a place. This can be a group of people. We all have that person or group of people that are our safe space. Wherever they are, is your safe space because you know that they are there to support you. They are your team.

Alone Time at Home

There’s no place like home. Home is where you can be yourself. You can wear whatever you want and do whatever you want. Sure going out for a vacation is nice. But there’s just something about resting alone at home, in your own bed.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that we all need rest. Some days you may need mindless binge-watching other days you may need some intentional solitude. Other days, you may need to go out and get away from your stressful environment. Not all of us need the same type of rest. And we may not be satisfied with the same type of rest every time.

Thanks for reading my rant,

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