Have you ever woken up after a full night’s sleep and still felt... exhausted? Like even after the early night, the good routine, the legs-up-the-wall before bed - you’re still carrying a tiredness you can’t quite shake?
That’s because true rest goes far beyond just sleep.
There are actually seven types of rest that nourish us in different ways: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, spiritual and creative. And depending on what season you’re in - what life is asking of you - some kinds of rest may need more love than others.
Physical rest might look like deep sleep, but also includes active rest - stretching, gentle walks, or just lying down without scrolling. It’s about giving your body a chance to recharge without expectation.
Mental rest is for the overloaded mind. If your thoughts are racing or you struggle to concentrate, you might need mental breaks: things like journaling, meditating, or stepping away from your to-do list just to breathe.
Sensory rest is about quieting the overwhelm - putting down your phone, turning off background noise, closing your eyes in a darkened room. It’s a pause for your senses.
Emotional rest comes from letting yourself be fully honest - with yourself and others. It’s being able to say 'I’m not okay' without guilt. It’s crying when you need to, or telling someone how you really feel.
Social rest doesn’t always mean being alone - it means spending time with people who fill you up rather than drain you. The ones where you can be your full, unfiltered self.
Spiritual rest can come through prayer, meditation, journaling, or even just a walk where you feel connected to something bigger. It’s about meaning, purpose, and belonging.
Creative rest is often overlooked - but it matters. It’s giving your brain space to wander. Listening to music. Watching the clouds. Letting beauty inspire you without needing to do anything about it.
We live in a world that tells us to push through, but rarely teaches us how to gently come home to our inner selves. So if you’re feeling worn down in ways sleep can’t fix, this is your litte push to ask: What kind of rest do I actually need right now?
Tuning in to that quiet voice within is where it begins. Not to 'fix' yourself - but to honour exactly where you are at. To give your mind, body and heart what they’re actually asking for.
And if you’re already feeling time-poor and overwhelmed, know this: rest doesn’t need to be big or time-consuming. It can be found in tiny moments - a deep breath with your hand on your heart, stepping outside for two minutes of sunshine, saying no without explaining why. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing it differently.
You’re not lazy for needing rest. You’re human. You’re allowed to feel tired - but you’re also worthy of feeling whole again.
May this be your reminder to slow down and rest this week - whatever that looks like for you.