Day 2: 🛏️ Rest That Restores

Hello!

Welcome to Day 2 of Old Traditions, New Healthy Ways!

Yesterday, we focused on zooming out and bringing far vision into our near-vision dominant world, which benefits our eyes and our souls. Today, we’re talking about rest—and how it works together with recharging.

Here’s a simple metaphor to understand the difference:

Your energy is like water in a bathtub. To feel ready for life’s demands, your bathtub needs a certain level of water. But if the water keeps draining without being replenished, you’ll feel exhausted, no matter how much you “rest.”

To fill your bathtub and feel recharged, you need to do two things:

1️⃣ Plug the drain by resting—pausing the activities that use up your energy. This might look like actaully saying "No," sitting quietly, napping, sleeping longer, or simply taking a break from "doing" the activities and to-do lists that are draining your energy.

2️⃣ Add more water by recharging—engaging in activities that nourish your soul and make you feel alive, like going for a hike, calling your best friend, creating art, snuggling your dogs a few extra mintues, or listening to your favorite music.

If you’ve ever taken a weekend to do “nothing” but still felt drained afterward, it’s because you plugged the drain but didn’t refill the water.

Rest alone isn’t enough—you need both rest and recharging to feel renewed.

7 Types of Rest

To truly recharge, you need to know there are 7 types of rest. you'll continue to feel depleted if you're not directly resting in the area where your bathtub is draining!

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith identifies seven distinct types of rest that are essential for overall well-being. Each type addresses a unique area of fatigue and replenishes the body, mind, or spirit in its own way:

1. Physical Rest

Physical rest supports the body’s recovery from fatigue and tension. It includes both:

• Passive rest, like sleeping and napping, which allow the body to repair and recharge.
• Active rest, such as stretching, yoga, or gentle movement, which help release tension and improve circulation.

Many people mistakenly think lying on the couch is enough for physical rest, but incorporating active forms can provide deeper restoration.

2. Mental Rest

Mental rest gives your mind a break from constant thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Taking short, intentional pauses throughout the day can help prevent mental fatigue and sharpen focus.

This might include journaling, deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes. Without mental rest, thoughts can feel cluttered and overwhelming, making it harder to concentrate.

3. Sensory Rest

Sensory rest helps alleviate the overstimulation caused by screens, bright lights, background noise, and constant notifications. These stimuli can overwhelm the nervous system, leading to irritability, fatigue, and difficulty relaxing.

Practices like unplugging from devices, dimming lights, or spending time in quiet, natural environments allow the senses to reset and restore balance.

4. Creative Rest

Creative rest replenishes the inspiration and wonder that fuel creativity and problem-solving. It often comes from engaging with beauty—whether through nature, art, or music.

For example, spending time in a forest, visiting an art exhibit, or simply noticing small details around you can awaken your sense of curiosity and refresh your perspective. Creative rest is especially vital for those in demanding or innovative roles where fresh ideas are key.

5. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest involves creating space to express your authentic feelings without fear of judgment or obligation. It might mean talking openly with a trusted friend, journaling, or setting boundaries to reduce emotional strain.

When emotional rest is neglected, it can lead to feelings of burnout, irritability, or the pressure to please others at the expense of your own well-being.

6. Social Rest

Social rest is about balancing the energy you spend in relationships. It involves spending time with people who uplift and support you while minimizing interactions with those who drain your energy.

This doesn’t mean avoiding socializing altogether—it’s about being intentional with your connections. Replenishing social rest might look like one-on-one time with a close friend or taking a break from large gatherings or social media.

7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest provides a sense of purpose, connection, and belonging. This type of rest often comes from practices like prayer, meditation, or involvement in a community aligned with your values.

It’s about nurturing your inner self and reflecting on what gives your life meaning. For many, spiritual rest brings a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.

The Key to Comprehensive Rest

These seven types of rest remind us that rest isn’t just about stopping—it’s about restoring. By identifying the areas where you feel most drained, you can begin to incorporate specific practices that address those needs, leading to greater energy, creativity, and well-being.

Why Rest Matters (And What Happens If You Skip It)

Without rest, the holidays can feel like a nonstop marathon. You’re more likely to:

• Feel burned out and overwhelmed before the season is over.
• Lose patience with loved ones or the chaos around you.
• Miss out on the joy of the season because you’re too drained to appreciate it.

But when you choose rest—even in small ways—you’ll notice:

• More energy and calm for what matters most.
• Less stress and more resilience when things don’t go as planned.
• The ability to create and enjoy meaningful moments instead of just surviving the season.

Rest doesn’t have to take hours or feel indulgent. Even 15 intentional minutes can make a difference.

Your Act of Care Today: Pick Your Rest

Today’s focus is simple: choose one type of rest that resonates with you and take a small step to incorporate it into your day. Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all, so this is your chance to focus on what your body, mind, or spirit needs most right now.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Physical Rest: Take a 10-20 minute nap or try gentle stretches to release tension.
• Mental Rest: Jot down your racing thoughts or spend 5 quiet minutes focusing on your breath.
• Sensory Rest: Unplug from screens and noise, or dim the lights in your space.
• Creative Rest: Step outside to enjoy nature, or spend a few minutes with art or music that inspires you.
• Emotional Rest: Journal how you’re feeling, or share your thoughts with someone you trust.
• Social Rest: Enjoy quiet alone time, or prioritize connecting with someone who uplifts you.
• Spiritual Rest: Spend time in prayer, meditation, or reflection to reconnect with your purpose.

Want more suggestions, check out this blog. 

How to Make It Happen:
1️⃣ Choose one type of rest from the list above.
2️⃣ Set aside 10-15 minutes to practice it today.
3️⃣ Notice how you feel afterward—lighter, calmer, or maybe even inspired.

Every act of care, no matter how small, adds up. Today, you’re not just resting—you’re restoring your energy and setting the foundation for a more refreshed, vibrant you.

Which type of rest are you choosing today? Hit reply and let us know—we’d love to cheer you on!

Why This Matters

Intentional rest shifts your body into recovery mode, calming your nervous system and rebalancing your energy. But it’s the combination of rest and recharging that helps you feel like yourself again—ready to tackle what’s ahead.

Why Rest Matters (And What Science Says):

• Boosts Your Immune System: Rest gives your body time to produce infection-fighting cells and hormones, making it easier to fight off illnesses.
• Protects Your Heart: Consistent rest can lower your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. (Yes, your heart loves rest as much as you do!)
• Sharpens Your Mind: Ever feel foggy when you’re exhausted? That’s because rest helps improve memory, focus, and decision-making.
• Supports Your Metabolism: Rest keeps your blood sugar and hunger hormones balanced, helping you avoid that sluggish, snack-all-day feeling.
• Elevates Your Mood: Rest reduces stress and lowers your risk of anxiety and depression—because who doesn’t feel better after some downtime.

A Reminder:

• “Resting is plugging the drain. Recharging is adding the water.”
• “Both are essential for showing up as your best self.”

You’re doing this! One thoughtful act of care at a time, you’re creating a holiday season that feels better, not busier.

With care,
Heather & Jennifer

P.S. Episode 102 of Critical Conversations is out now! This week, we’re talking all about Redefining Rest: 7 Surprising Ways to Recharge and Thrive. Tune in for practical tips to identify what’s draining your energy and learn how to rest in ways that truly restore you.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST