Rest. Restore. Recover
Are you sleeping 7+ hours and still feeling EXHAUSTED?
You have a feeling there’s a reason why you feel tired all the time... but what IS IT?
While sleeping is physical rest, we actually need 7 types of rest to avoid burnout. (Accordingly to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and her book on SACRED REST).
Physical Rest - Lack of sleep and over training mentally and physically, deplete your body’s energy. Get 2 types of physical rest;
Passive - as an adult, at least 7 hours nightly sleep, consistently going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Include power naps as needed throughout the day to reset and recharge.
Active- Actively stretch and move your body daily. Consider mindful practices such as yoga, tai chi and qigong. Have regular massages, float baths, physio therapy to aid your aging body (yes we are all aging!)
Mental Rest - Mental rest deficit is caused by overtaxing your thinking. Write down your “to do” lists, reference checklists (packing, groceries, family schedules), create a shutdown ritual to separate work & life; take a break from problem solving; practice mindfulness, coming back to THIS moment; meditate regularly.
Social Rest - Evaluate your relationships. Consider spending time with people who give you energy and who’s values align with yours. Consciously choose to spend less time with those individuals who exhaust you and steal your energy. If you are an introvert (like myself), block out time to be alone to nourish and replenish you energy.
Spiritual Rest - Be part of something bigger than yourself. You may want to consider volunteering or getting involved in a charity that is important to you. If possible, pursue employment that feels purpose-driven. Participate in faith-based activities, aligning to your personal belief system. Celebrate life in nature.
Sensory Rest - We all know that the modern individual is overstimulated. Take a break from social media; turn off notifications (sounds and alerts) including phone calls. I purposely turn off all my notices on my phone, with the exception of specific alerts for family members who maybe in need. Limit your video and zoom meetings as much as possible and consider setting an evening ritual with reduced stimulation (soothing music, candles, low light).
Emotional Rest - Emotional rest deficit occurs when you feel like you can’t be authentic. (ie an airline attendant who must always smile, despite rude passengers). Spend time with others who you feel safe with and can be authentic with. Consider speaking with a therapist or professional to release emotional labor.
Creative Rest - Appreciate beauty in all its form, whether natural or human-created. Take in a sunrise or sunset, and walk in nature, daily if possible. Visit a museum, or art festival, attend a concert. Engage with inspiring books, music and documentaries, travel and take in cultural events.
Dr Dalton Smith recommends starting with your 1 or 2 biggest rest deficits and then over time create daily and weekly habits to improve all 7 rest categories.
Take the REST QUIZ to figure out your rest deficiencies.