The 7 Types of Rest You Need to Heal

7 Types of Rest You Need to Heal

In today’s fast-paced world, getting enough rest goes beyond a good night’s sleep. True restoration comes from addressing all areas of your well-being. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician and researcher, identifies seven types of rest essential for balanced hormones and healthy life. If you’ve ever felt exhausted despite getting enough sleep, you might be missing one or more of these key areas of rest.

Let’s break down the 7 types of rest, why they matter, and simple ways to incorporate them into your daily life:

1. Physical Rest

What it is: Physical rest involves giving your body the downtime it needs to recover and repair. This can be either passive (sleeping or napping) or active (gentle activities that support muscle recovery).

Signs you need it: You feel physically tired, experience muscle pain, or struggle with tension headaches.

How to get it:

• Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep.

• Incorporate restorative activities like yoga, stretching, or a warm bath.

• Schedule regular breaks during the day to rest your body.

2. Mental Rest

What it is: Mental rest involves giving your brain a break from constant stimulation and decision-making.

Signs you need it: You feel forgetful, mentally foggy, or find it difficult to focus.

How to get it:

• Take regular brain breaks throughout the day.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to quiet mental chatter.

• Keep a journal to offload thoughts and reduce mental clutter.

3. Sensory Rest

What it is: Sensory rest helps you recover from overstimulation caused by screens, noise, and other sensory inputs.

Signs you need it: You feel easily irritated, overwhelmed by loud environments, or have trouble unwinding after screen time.

How to get it:

• Take screen-free breaks throughout the day.

• Create a quiet, low-light space to decompress.

• Practice closing your eyes for a few moments during the day to reduce sensory overload.

4. Emotional Rest

What it is: Emotional rest means allowing yourself to express and release feelings without judgment.

Signs you need it: You feel emotionally drained, suppress your feelings, or struggle to set boundaries.

How to get it:

• Share your feelings openly with a trusted friend or therapist.

• Practice self-compassion and allow yourself to feel without judgment.

• Set emotional boundaries and say no when needed.

5. Social Rest

What it is: Social rest means balancing your social interactions by spending time with people who uplift you and limiting draining relationships.

Signs you need it: You feel socially exhausted or isolated, even after spending time with others.

How to get it:

• Spend time with people who energise and support you.

• Take breaks from social media and group obligations.

• Allow yourself solitude when you need to recharge.

6. Spiritual Rest

What it is: Spiritual rest involves connecting with a sense of purpose, meaning, or a higher power.

Signs you need it: You feel disconnected, lack purpose, or question the meaning of your work or life.

How to get it:

• Engage in prayer, meditation, or spiritual practices.

• Volunteer or engage in acts of kindness.

• Reflect on your values and what gives your life meaning.

7. Creative Rest

What it is: Creative rest allows your mind to recharge by experiencing beauty, nature, and inspiring ideas.

Signs you need it: You feel stuck, uninspired, or mentally fatigued from problem-solving.

How to get it:

• Spend time in nature or visit an art gallery.

• Engage in hobbies purely for enjoyment.

• Take breaks from constant output to seek inspiration.

Why All 7 Types of Rest Matter

When one area of rest is neglected, it can affect your overall well-being. By identifying the type of rest you need most and taking intentional steps to restore yourself, you can feel more energised, balanced, and at peace.

Which type of rest do you need more of today? Take a moment to check in with yourself and prioritise the rest your mind, body, and soul deserve.

Support Your Rest Journey with Natural Solutions

In addition to prioritising the right types of rest, supporting your body with nourishing, natural remedies can make a profound difference. Herbal teas, like Zenhood Tea, are carefully crafted with herbs known to help lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and promote hormonal balance.

Thousands of women worldwide have found relief through Zenhood, using it to manage cortisol, balance hormones, control PCOS symptoms, and even boost fertility. Incorporating a calming herbal blend into your daily routine can be a simple yet powerful way to support your body and mind as you prioritise holistic rest.

Discover how Zenhood Tea and other hormone-balancing blends can support your wellness journey and help you feel your best — naturally.