In a time where the concern for mental wellbeing at the workplace is climbing the ladder of urgency, employers and employees could benefit by learning a thing or two about rest. Rest and sleep are often confused as being the same thing, but this is definitely not true. Many people wonder why they’re so tired or burned out while they’ve gotten enough sleep. The answer is that they suffer from a rest deficit. Paying attention to rest in seven key areas of your life might lead to feeling energised and productive again instead of tired and lifeless.
1. Physical rest
This type of rest is the form we’re all most familiar with. Physical rest can be passive, like napping and sleeping, or active. The latter includes activities like yoga, stretching or massage therapy.
2. Mental rest
When you’re not able to ‘turn off’ your brain when you are relaxing or lying in bed, you are suffering from a mental rest deficit. Reminding yourself to take things slow and to ease your mind now and then might help to fix this. Schedule short breaks during your workday every two hours or keep a notepad to jot down any nagging thoughts.
3. Sensory rest
Today’s world is becoming more and more complex. This is a trend we observed at TrendsActive and is characterised by a sensory overload. Loads of screens, bright lights and multiple conversations are what we deal with on a daily basis and can cause our senses to feel overwhelmed. This can be countered by intentionally engaging in sensory deprivation at certain moments. Close your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day. Stop using electronics at the end of the day. See what unplugging can do for you.
4. Creative rest
When having to solve problems or come up with new ideas, providing yourself with creative rest is of great importance. Reawaken the wonder inside of you by taking time to enjoy the beauty of nature – even if it’s just a walk around the park. Turn your workplace into a space of inspiration by displaying works of art and stuffing the place with plants. Your surroundings are playing a big part in the creative process.
5. Emotional rest
This means that you feel comfortable in having the time and space to express your feelings and be true to yourself. Reaching emotional rest requires courage. Ask yourself how you really feel when someone asks “how are you today?” and try to share your feelings when things are not okay.
6. Social rest
Differentiate between those relations that give you energy and those that exhaust you. When you can, surround yourself with people that support and appreciate you. Try to recognise what are fruitful interactions to you and try to seize on this by actively engaging in them.
7. Spiritual rest
This type of rest is achieved when you’re experiencing a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance and purpose. Life is about more than just work. Engage in the search for meaning and open up to a connection beyond the physical. Add meditation to your daily routine and focus on things that truly make you happy.
So there you have it, seven types of rest that every person needs. Don’t think that just enough sleep will get you there. Be aware of the other types of rest and check if you are getting enough of them. This might lead to more job satisfaction and a more energised and meaningful life in general.
