Rest is not just about sleep. Your body needs these 5 important kinds of rest

How often have you found yourself exhausted? In this pandemic world, probably a million times every day. Jokes apart, every time we feel tired, we think of those pampering sessions at the salon or our comfort food. That’s our definition of self-care today. While that’s important, there’s nothing more essential than rest. And you will be surprised to know rest is not just of one kind; there are multiple kinds. So, ready to know it all?

1. Physical rest

Most of us already know about this. You know how it feels to keep your eyes open, when all you want to do is shut them, because of tiredness. It’s a no-brainer but if you need physical rest, you MUST sleep properly. 

“Try to sleep a little earlier before usual, and don’t push yourself to exercise like crazy when your body isn’t ready. You can also take deep breaths during the day, or squeeze in a relaxing activity,” shares Dr Rashmi Tarachandani, general physician, with HealthShots.

2. Emotional rest

Think of the times when you have had a bad day? Or when you had a breakup? Didn’t you feel exhausted, worried, confused, and tensed all at once? 

Emotional rest would be defined as offloading the emotions that have been disturbing. 

Devisha Batra, Senior Psychologist, IWill says, “To help alleviate emotional exhaustion, it is important to understand one’s emotional triggers. This will provide an awareness about the kind of situations that are making you feel all the emotions.” 

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She adds, “Once you analyse the situation, you can move towards breaking the cycle of thoughts that contribute to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Ask yourself: what specific thoughts trigger most of your emotions? What emotions are the hardest? What behaviours do you generally practice to calm down? What is the best or the worst that can happen?.”

This will help people make decisions based on careful thought, rather than a reactionary approach.

3. Social rest

This might be new for you, but remember taking time off to engage with like-minded people is equally important. 

“You might be putting off social plans because you are occupied at work, but don’t do that. Instead, try and see a friend who understands you well. You could also speak to them virtually on Zoom or Facetime. It is so therapeutic,” says Dr Tarachandani.

4. Mental rest

Have you stayed up all night worrying about a lot of things at the same time? Ever felt like you cannot process things and that true rest is impossible? This is where mental rest is required. 

“Mental rest is where you stop forcing your brain to work hard and give it time to process information. In other words, taking a break to recharge mentally by taking scheduled short breaks, noting down any thoughts that are unsettling, doing activities that you like, working on sleep patterns, simple relaxation exercises, eliminating the tasks that are not important, or meeting friends or family members,” says Batra.

5. Creative rest

Are you in a job that requires you to constantly showcase your creativity? If yes, your brain needs a little break too from all the brainstorming. 

Dr Tarachandani explains, “Take a break, go for a walk in nature, read a book or listen to music. You need to surround yourself with inspiration to replenish your creative energy.”