"Why am I always tired?"-part 2: the 7 types of rest

If you are wondering why your lack of energy and overwhelming exhaustion can not be fixed by sleeping for longer hours, continue reading.?

Saundra Dalton-Smith MD?is a physician, researcher and the author of the book "Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity." In the attached video, she elaborates on the 7 types of rest that every person needs to feel restored. Here is a brief rundown of the video and my brief take on it:?

The first misconception is that we assume rest and sleep are the same; well, they are not. Sleeping or physical rest is only the first type of rest everyone needs. Rest is also not equal to laying on the couch and binge watching a show. To feel fully restored, you should get enough:

·??????Mental rest:??

We are constantly using our mental energy to deal with workplace-related stress. While working, try to schedule short breaks every 60-90 minutes to get your mind off of work. Although this might be hard to do for busy professionals, the power of such pre-planned breaks in calming your mind should not be undermined. Other ways to restore your mental energy include meditation, yoga or engaging yourself with other activities that detach you from the workplace.? I have personally found that keeping a journal of your daily thoughts and reflecting on them at the end of the day can be a big help.?

·??????Sensory rest:?

The constant bright light of your computer screens and phones, the background noise at your workplace and loud conversations can easily overwhelm your senses. This can lead to “sensory overload syndrome”, which happens when you’re getting more input from your five senses than your brain can process. To avoid sensory overload syndrome, closing your eyes for as short as a few minutes can help. Intentionally, unplug from the electronics at the end of each day. When you’re experiencing sensory overload, there’s nothing wrong with removing yourself from the situation to cut down the stimulation your brain is dealing with.?

·??????Creative rest:?

Having the opportunity to appreciate the beauty in its many forms is another form of underacknowledged rest. Decorating your workplace with items that bring you joy and inspiration such as pieces of art or small house plants, is a simple intervention that can serve as creative rest.?

·??????Emotional rest:?

If you are feeling down, you should be able to say “I am not okay” truthfully. Being able to share your troubles with the people you love and trust, restores and balances your emotions.?

·??????Social rest:?

If you surround yourself with negative and depressed people, you will soon begin to feel like them. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people to experience social rest.?

·??????Spiritual rest:?

You are spiritually rested when you have a deep sense of belonging, engage in something greater than yourself in your day to day routine and have a deep sense of loving and being loved.

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