We know how important it is to take breaks.
Moments to create the breathing space we need to move forward – stronger.
Yesterday, I came across an article that talked about 7 types of rest.
Physical, Mental, Emotional, Sensory, Social, Spiritual, and Creative.
These come from a book by Dr. Sandra Dalton Smith titled Sacred Rest.
My Perspective
As soon as I saw the list, I was drawn in.
What first caught my attention was the alignment with the 8 areas of wellbeing.
The one that is missing from the list is “financial”.
However, I think that is because financial impacts our need for emotional or mental rest.
Here are the ties I see and a description of rest for each category.
A summary of each type is below:
| Dimension of Wellbeing | Type of Rest | Description of Rest |
| Physical | Physical | Rest that restores the body either actively or passively. This includes sleep, exercise, naps, massage, etc. |
| Occupational | Mental | Rest that allows you to detach from cognitive demands. For a racing mind, writing it all down can be mental rest. |
| Social | Social | Rest that provides a break from socializing. You can spend time alone or with someone who fills your cup. |
| Environmental | Sensory | Rest that isolates you from overstimulation from sensory experiences in your environment |
| Spiritual | Spiritual | Rest that provides you with a sense of purpose. This can come from meditation, spiritual services and more. |
| Emotional | Emotional | Rest that reduces stress, overwhelm, and anxious thoughts. Spending time feeling all of our feelings. |
| Intellectual | Creative | Rest that protects your creative energy ensuring that you feel inspired – walks in nature, a trip to a museum, etc. |
| Financial | No Parallel | Financial rest might be more aligned with the need for emotional (stress) or occupational (cognitive) rest |
Your Turn
Do you have sufficient rest in all areas of wellbeing?
Where could you use more?
How could you use this framework to have conversations with others on where they may be deficient?