3 Types of Rest You Need To Feel Your Best

When we think of rest we probably think of laying down, napping or sleeping at night. While rest does include all of those, there is also more that qualifies as proper rest.

I'm not just talking about taking a day off from the gym, either. I'm talking about rest that gives your mind, body and soul a break from the hustle, grind, and stress that may creep into our routines.

There are 3 types of rest that each of us need in order to look, feel, and function as our best selves.

3 Types of Rest

1. Physical Rest

This is the type of rest that most people think of when they hear the word "rest". Physical rest is crucial for us to maintain energy, avoid getting sick, and recover from strenuous or any physical activities,

Your sleep should be prioritized in order to feel your best each day. Most adults should aim to get 6-8 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep each night. A healthy sleep cycle includes different sleep stages including light sleep, REM (rapid eye movement), and deep sleep. If you track your sleep, you will see when you move into the different stages throughout the night.

Below is a screenshot from my sleep report, showing what a good night's rest looks like for me. I use my FitBit to track my sleep each night and it gives me a score based on how well I slept and how close I stayed to my goal bed time and wake up time. This really helps me stay on track, prioritize my sleep, and stay in tune with my body.

2. Mental Rest

Mental rest is just as important as physical rest. This refers to periods where we can take a break from work, conversations, overthinking, and any situation that keeps our brain working overtime. Quieting your mind can be a difficult task, but with intention and dedicated time it can be accomplished.

Taking mental rest includes anything that does not require deep thinking or critical thinking. Activities such as being in nature, meditating, dancing, or watching movies can be considered forms of mental rest.

Find moments where you can shut your brain off for a little bit, try to be present, and release all the brain chatter. This should be prioritized at least once or twice a day in order to feel your best and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and overwhelm.

3. Emotional Rest

Have you ever been around people, or situations that just drain you? If you're someone who is considered the "therapist friend", or people just feel comfortable dumping their emotional baggage onto you, then you should be taking extra time for emotional rest.

This type of rest is necessary to process our own emotions and feelings. We cannot constantly be around people without taking the necessary space and time to check in, and allow ourselves a little bit of peace.

Taking emotional rest can include taking a step back from unhealthy relationships, toxic work environments, or situations that just don't make you feel at ease. You can include some practices such as talk therapy, journaling, or setting proper boundaries can allow more space for emotional rest.

Why do you need rest?

Rest is considered one of the most important types of self-care. Taking time for self-care is very important if you want to live a happy & healthy life. No one ever feels good from walking around tired, drained, and anxious. Make sure you are getting the rest you need based on your lifestyle, and life will feel so much better.

Listen to this podcast episode to get deeper into the topic of rest.

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