Are We Really Expected to Get 7 Different Types of Rest? No Wonder We Feel So Drained!

In today’s world, it seems universally agreed that we’re all utterly exhausted. Not just tired, but completely depleted. Some days, the weight of fatigue feels so heavy that I can barely muster the energy to do anything but let out a deep sigh. Crying? Who has the energy for that?

Surprisingly, my weariness isn’t merely from sleepless nights or binge-watching shows on repeat. It stems from a lack of genuine rest—not just sleep, but various forms of rest. Mind = blown.

Dr. Emily Thompson, the author of “Essential Rest,” notes, “If you’re not intentionally resting, you’re not strengthening your resilience.” Well, that certainly clarifies a lot.

Here’s the kicker: I can barely manage one type of rest (sleep), let alone six others. I suspect many of you relate. Even after the workday wraps up, the to-do list never ends—there’s that volunteer group we signed up for, endless emails, bills, laundry, dinner prep, and don’t even get me started on grocery shopping online. We’re out of snacks again!

This is the crux of our struggle to rest. Here’s a breakdown of the 7 types of rest and how they should look versus how they actually do.

1. Physical Rest

The silver lining is that physical rest isn’t solely about sleep (thank goodness), but also involves activities like yoga or massages. Unfortunately, I’m not getting enough sleep, let alone squeezing in a massage. And whenever I attempt a downward dog, my dog thinks it’s playtime.

2. Mental Rest

This one’s pretty clear—our brains need a break from the relentless grind. Given the stresses of living through a global pandemic, it’s no wonder mental fatigue is rampant. Grocery shopping feels like a high-stakes mission, and making decisions about our kids’ schooling adds to the mental load. Dr. Thompson advises scheduling short breaks every couple of hours during work; however, the thought of scheduling a break stresses me out even more.

3. Sensory Rest

Bright screens, loud noises, and constant chatter can overwhelm our senses. Maybe that explains why my eyes are twitching and listening to my kids bicker while I’m on a video call feels unbearable. After a long week of staring at a screen, the last thing I want to do on the weekend is look at my phone. So, I resort to binge-watching shows, which probably defeats the purpose.

4. Emotional Rest

Initially, I thought this was a joke. I’m on the verge of tears most days, so how could I be getting emotional rest? However, Dr. Thompson suggests that being able to honestly answer “How are you?” with “I’m not okay” is a sign of emotional rest. So maybe I am finding some emotional relief after all!

5. Social Rest

This doesn’t mean having a packed social calendar; rather, it’s about spending time with people who uplift you and stepping back from those who drain your energy. It’s okay to turn off the camera during Zoom calls if it helps.

6. Spiritual Rest

This includes traditional practices like meditation and prayer, but also involves community engagement and volunteering. I might need to start using my meditation app again.

7. Creative Rest

I took up knitting a while ago, and while I’m not great, it’s been quite fulfilling. Creative rest also involves enjoying nature, so it’s time to plan that trip to a nearby national park!

In all seriousness, Dr. Thompson is onto something significant here. I’ve been puzzled about my exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep. It turns out I’m missing out on various forms of rest. The harsh reality is that I’m partly responsible for this lack of rest. While there are many things out of our control, I need to learn to say “no” more often, set boundaries, and occasionally take a moment to breathe deeply. Perhaps you do too.

So, give yourself the green light to cancel those plans with acquaintances you don’t really enjoy and treat yourself to a spa day (after vaccination, of course!) with a close friend. Consider it a prescription for your well-being.

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In summary, understanding the seven types of rest we need can help us manage our exhaustion and improve our overall well-being. By intentionally incorporating these forms of rest into our lives, we can combat fatigue and foster resilience.