The Different Types of Rest
(sleep alone isn't the answer).
It’s obvious that we need sleep to rest but it isn’t the ONLY type of rest we need….There are lots of different types of rest.
As a doctor, I realised I REALLY needed these different forms of rest.
Let me explain in more detail what they are and what I do to help myself to achieve them!
1. Physical Rest
This can be active or passive rest (& it doesn’t just include sleeping). As a doctor, I would largely spend the day on my feet. As a result, I needed physical rest in a more passive sense (sleep) but also an active sense (stretching, yoga or generally taking some time to let my body relax).
2. Mental Rest
You spend the whole day using your brain as a doctor & I realised if I didn’t have more specific mental rest I would find myself struggling to concentrate &/or my thoughts racing as I tried to get to sleep… I needed to find ways to get mental clarity which for me consists of exercising, journalling, time away from social media & more mindless tasks.
3. Sensory Rest
I started to notice I was craving a rest from the hospital environment itself… I’ve since realised that this is largely because of sensory overload. There’s constant beeping of machines, busy corridors, talking to colleagues etc. I was craving time in quiet spaces & would find myself loving the peace & stillness of being outside. Our brains can only take so much stimulation.
4. Creative Rest
This is a form of rest I’ve started to notice myself needing since working on my own businesses more & more. There are only so many problems we can solve in a day & our brain can really struggle to find creative inspiration when we’re asking too much of it. I now know when I’m struggling to come up with new ideas I need to find ways to let my mind wander & create space for it to be creative… This can involve spending time outside, taking in the little details in my environment or listening to music.
5. Emotional Rest
It’s really important that we express ourselves & our emotions authentically. It is exhausting trying to suppress emotions over long periods. I really noticed this whilst I was doubting my medical career. The more I tried to hide my doubts from others the heavier the weight felt on my shoulders…This weight lifted the moment I started talking about it and expressing myself honestly. It really helps me to have open conversations with those closest to me or taking time to journal my thoughts. You can’t ignore your true emotions for too long.
6. Social Rest
It doesn't matter whether you enjoy social interaction or not, we all need a form of rest from it.... For example, I’m not a social person at heart but it doesn’t mean I don’t need social rest. My form of social rest involves spending quality time with friends or family (aka. individuals who don’t drain my social battery).
7. Spiritual Rest
Lastly, it’s important to rest from our fast-paced lives and take time to reflect on our purpose. It is so easy to get caught up with “life” that we start to feel disconnected from the world and what we’re actually doing here…. There are things which can help you reflect on your purpose or re-ground you including religion, nature or specific hobbies/past-times. I personally always feel more grounded whenever I spend time at the sea. It always puts things into perspective for me.
I don’t need all these different forms of rest at the same time but there are times when I know there’s a particular one I need to focus my attention to…
Try to understand what form of rest you are craving & then dedicate some time to it.
The word “rest” implies that you don’t need to actively do anything but I hope you can see from the examples I’ve given this really is not the case.
You need to actively incorporate things into your day which allow you to rest in the way that you need.
It won’t happen on its own.
