7 Types of Rest You Need (That Aren’t Just Sleep)

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Welcome to the Tuesday Trailblazer, my weekly newsletter delivering actionable insights from my personal experiences and 15+ years in leadership.

What we’ll cover off:

• Why sleep isn't the only rest you need.

• The seven different types of rest that can transform your life.

• How to incorporate these restful practices into your daily routine.

• Practical steps to ensure you feel refreshed and energised.

As my wife and I adapt to life as “parents of 2,” finding opportunities to rest has become extremely important.

Not only because our sleeping patterns have changed somewhat, but more so because we want to ensure we’re showing up fully for each other and especially for our eldest daughter Hazel through what is a big change for her.

While we’ve been focused on getting enough sleep, it’s been important to empower the many other ways to empower rest and recharge ourselves.

Today, we’re diving deep into those different types of rest and how to stop running on empty.

Feeling tired all the time? You’re not alone.

Many of us think that getting enough sleep is the only way to recharge, but the truth is, there are several types of rest we need to feel truly refreshed.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has highlighted in this article the 7 types of rest and how understanding them can help you feel more alive and less stressed.

Better yet, we set the ultimate example as leaders when we prioritise ourselves and our wellbeing in order to perform at the best of our ability.

Too many leaders think they can power through exhaustion, like it’s a badge of honour.

But here’s the truth: pushing yourself without proper rest isn’t strength—it’s a fast track to burnout.

Stop pretending exhaustion is something to be proud of and start taking care of yourself so you can lead better.

There are seven different kinds of rest that can truly recharge your batteries and help you thrive, both at work and at home.

Let’s check them out!

Here are the seven types of rest you need to know about—and how to start getting them today:

1. Physical Rest:

   What: Rest that helps your body recover.

   Why: Without it, your body can’t keep up, and your energy tanks.

   How: Get enough sleep, take short naps, and stretch or do yoga.

2. Mental Rest:

   What: Giving your mind a break from constant thinking.

   Why: It keeps your brain from overheating and helps you focus better.

   How: Take breaks throughout the day, practice mindfulness, or just zone out for a bit.

3. Sensory Rest:

   What: Reducing the overload from screens, noise, and lights.

   Why: Too much sensory input can stress you out and drain your energy. It can also impact your relationships.

   How: Turn off your screens, dim the lights, and find a quiet spot to relax.

4. Creative Rest:

   What: Recharging your creativity.

   Why: It keeps you inspired and able to solve problems.

   How: Spend time in nature, enjoy some art or music, or just let your mind wander.

5. Emotional Rest:

   What: Letting go of the emotional weight you carry.

   Why: It stops you from feeling overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted.

   How: Talk to someone you trust, journal your thoughts, or set boundaries to protect your emotional space.

6. Social Rest:

   What: Taking a break from people who drain you.

   Why: Being around the right people boosts your energy, while the wrong ones drag you down.

   How: Spend time with people who lift you up and limit time with those who don’t.

7. Spiritual Rest:

   What: Connecting with something bigger than yourself.

   Why: It gives you a sense of purpose and peace.

   How: Engage in activities that align with your beliefs and values, like meditation, prayer, or volunteering.

Ignite your impact (and ability to rest) by taking on the 4 day challenge.

Day 1: Start Small and Be Intentional

• Action: Begin your rest journey by introducing small moments of rest into your day. Take five minutes for quiet time or a short walk. The goal is to start small and gradually build up your rest time.

• Reflection: At the end of the day, reflect on how these brief moments of rest made you feel. Were you more energised, focused, or calm?

Day 2: Experiment and Schedule

• Action: Try out different types of rest today—physical, mental, sensory, etc.—to see which resonates with you the most. Schedule specific times in your calendar for these rest activities, just like you would for work meetings.

• Reflection: Consider which types of rest brought you the most relief or joy. Write down what worked and what didn’t and adjust your schedule accordingly for tomorrow.

Day 3: Combine and Protect

• Action: Combine different types of rest for maximum benefit. For example, take a mindful walk in nature to blend physical, sensory, and spiritual rest. Also, set boundaries to protect your rest time—say no to activities that may infringe on it.

• Reflection: Reflect on how combining different types of rest affected your mood and energy levels. Did setting boundaries help you prioritise your wellbeing?

Day 4: Adjust and Share

• Action: Stay open to adjusting your rest practices based on how you feel today. Life changes, and so do your rest needs. Finally, share your rest practices with a friend or family member—encourage them to join you in prioritising rest.

• Reflection: Think about how your rest needs have evolved over the last four days. How can you continue to adapt your routine? Also, notice how sharing your experiences with others affects your relationships and community.

Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s a multi-faceted practice that can transform your life if you prioritise it. Over the next four days, use these challenges to explore what types of rest work best for you and how to make them a routine part of your life.

Remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s essential to your wellbeing.

Take these steps to reclaim your energy and clarity—one day at a time.

You've got this, Trailblazers!

Lead with impact, not busy.

Until next Tuesday,

I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple industries (retail, hospitality, construction, mining, education) and helped them simplify their leadership.

Igniting their impact in leadership and at home.

Let me share my insights and help you:

• Reclaim your time

• Prioritise your wellbeing

• Achieve work/life harmony

• Improve customer centricity

• Connect & elevate team culture

• Simplify your leadership beyond busy

• Building a bench and plan for your successors

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