S7 E13: How Do I Rest — Really? Understanding the 7 Types of Rest With Barbara Powell, MA, NBC-HWC
Nov 7, 2023
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Barbara Powell, a wellness expert and coach, discusses the importance of rest and the seven types of rest we need for overall well-being. The types include physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, sensory, and creative rest. The hosts explore techniques for achieving sensory and creative rest, as well as the significance of prioritizing different types of rest and challenging self-limiting beliefs.
Rest is not just physical, but also includes mental, emotional, social, spiritual, sensory, and creative rest.
Recognizing the signs of rest depletion in each type is crucial for identifying areas that need attention.
Micro, macro, and habitual ways can be employed to achieve rest in each category, allowing individuals to perform better and live life more fully.
Deep dives
The Importance of Rest and Recovery
Rest and recovery are essential for our health and well-being. Barbara Powell, a certified integrative health and well-being coach, emphasizes the significance of rest in this podcast episode. She discusses the seven types of rest, which include physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, sensory, and creative rest. Powell highlights the signs of depletion in each type and offers strategies for achieving rest in each category. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing rest, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and finding a personalized approach to rest that works for each individual.
Physical Rest and its Benefits
Physical rest is crucial for recharging the body through sleep and gentle movement. Signs of physical rest depletion may include physical aches, weariness, and moodiness. Micro ways of achieving physical rest include quick stretches and small acts of self-care. Habitual rest can be fostered through consistent bedtime routines and prioritizing sleep. Macro ways of achieving physical rest involve taking dedicated time off to relax and engage in activities that revitalize the body.
Mental Rest for a Clear Mind
Mental rest is essential for quieting the mind and slowing down mental processes. Signs of mental rest depletion may include feeling overwhelmed, having an inability to focus, or experiencing moodiness. Micro ways of achieving mental rest include brief moments of mindfulness and focusing on the present. Habitual rest can be achieved through mindfulness practices such as meditation or taking short breaks during the day. Macro ways of achieving mental rest involve disconnecting from technology and engaging in activities that bring flow and relaxation.
Emotional and Social Rest for Inner Well-being
Emotional rest involves creating space to process and connect with one's emotions. Signs of emotional rest depletion may include self-doubt, feeling drained, or experiencing a lack of purpose. Micro ways of achieving emotional rest include practicing self-compassion and catching comparing thoughts to replace them with self-loving responses. Habitual rest can be fostered through regular therapy or seeking support from close friends and loved ones. Macro ways of achieving emotional rest involve participating in retreats or group activities that provide an opportunity for vulnerability and connection.
Restoring the Spirit and the Senses
Spiritual rest involves stepping outside of oneself and connecting with something greater. Signs of spiritual rest depletion may include feeling disconnected, lacking purpose, or having tunnel vision. Micro ways of achieving spiritual rest include moments of awe and appreciation for the natural world. Habitual rest can be achieved through regular mindfulness practices or engaging in activities that evoke a sense of wonder. Macro ways of achieving spiritual rest involve taking time for retreats or immersions in nature to experience a deeper connection with oneself and the world.
Sensory and Creative Rest for Revitalization
Sensory rest involves giving the senses a break from constant stimulation. Signs of sensory rest depletion may include feeling overwhelmed, numbness, or an inability to think clearly. Micro ways of achieving sensory rest include taking breaks to look out the window or purposefully engaging with the senses, such as feeling warmth in the palms or listening to nature sounds. Habitual rest can be fostered through mindful commutes or setting aside time for silence. Macro ways of achieving sensory rest involve taking technology breaks or immersing oneself in nature to fully engage the senses. Creative rest is vital for recharging the creative self and finding inspiration. Signs of creative rest depletion may include lacking new ideas, avoiding projects, or feeling undervalued. Micro ways of achieving creative rest include appreciating beauty and engaging with art or nature. Habitual rest can be fostered through regular artist dates or engaging in creative hobbies. Macro ways of achieving creative rest involve taking intentional time off or immersing oneself in an environment that supports creativity.
Rest is essential to our health and wellness, yet it often gets pushed to the side in favor of other things that require our time and attention. Importantly, it’s not just physical rest we need: There are six other types that contribute to our overall well-being.
In this episode, Barbara Powell, MA, NBC-HWC, joins us to first explain the signs and symptoms of under-rest to watch for. She then delves into the seven versions of rest we need, and for each, the micro, macro, and habitual ways we can get more rest so we can perform better and live life more fully.
The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program.
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