How to Maximize Your Rest - Part 2
In Part 1 of How to Maximize Your Rest, we discussed four of the seven types of rest: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. In Part 2, we will discuss the last three types: sensory, social, and creative.
Sensory rest is a rest we don’t often consider with how dependent we are on electronics. However, our emotions, energy levels, and how we act can be heavily affected by our sensory environments. It is easy to become negatively affected by social media or overwhelmed by all the information around us. To be able to have sensory rest, try the following:
Find a quiet place away from distractions, and just close your eyes.
Limit screen time and artificial light.
Avoid noisy environments or use noise-canceling headphones.
Social rest is a type of rest that introverts know best, but everyone should take the time to have social rest. We often don’t realize how tired we feel from social interactions until afterward, when we are alone. We don’t realize which types of people we socialize with exhaust us more than revive us. Having social rest is necessary to be able to re-energize yourself for another social interaction. If you are feeling social exhaustion, try the following:
Set boundaries by communicating what you need in social situations.
Schedule a time for yourself to rest.
Find relationships with people who support you.
Say no to social events whenever you feel overwhelmed.
Creative rest is not just for artists; it is necessary whenever you have to do problem-solving or brainstorming. Artist’s block is the result of a lack of creative rest when you lack the motivation or inspiration to do anything creative. To be able to regain creativity, try the following:
Enjoy your environment without overthinking it; just appreciate the beauty around you.
Try new experiences that are outside your comfort zone.
Surround yourself with other inspirational people who understand and encourage your creativity.
Spend some time reading or watching something you like that can inspire you.
Sensory, social, and creative rest are often overlooked types of rest, but they are just as crucial. With how much technology, interaction, and overthinking we do, we don’t realize how drained we feel until afterward. All types of rest are necessary, and while it can be difficult to get one, it is not impossible to do. Take a few minutes of silence and close your eyes. Don’t think about anything but the silence. Take an hour for yourself, try avoiding using technology, and instead catch up on the rest that you do need. Taking a break to rest is crucial to not burning out. Do not forget that your body needs this rest.