Wellness Wednesday – “7 Types Of Rest/10 Minutes To Find Joy In The Moment”
In this latest Wellness Wednesday, I would like to share two things – a helpful thought on the 7 different types of rest we all need and a 10 minute exercise to find joy in the moment.
7 Types Of Rest We All Need
A few years ago there was a TED Talk series on “How To Be A Better Human” by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD and within it was a conversation about “The 7 Types Of Rest That Every Person Needs”. Quickly, I would like to share a brief overview of these 7 types of rest:
1) Physical rest, which can either be passive or active – Passive rest includes things like sleeping or napping and active rest includes things like stretching and massage therapy to help improve the body’s circulation and flexibility.
2) Mental rest – Schedule short breaks (10-15 minutes in length) every 45 minutes to 2 hours throughout your workday to disconnect mentally from what you are focusing on. You will find that you are more productive if you do. Also, consider having a notepad by your bed to write down any nagging thoughts that might keep you awake at night before going to sleep.
3) Sensory rest – We live in a world filled with visual distractions like bright lights, computer screens, Zoom meetings, background noise, and multiple conversations all around us that can cause our senses to feel overwhelmed. Find some time each day to unplug, find a quiet place, and close your eyes in the middle of the day.
4) Creative rest – This is especially important for anyone who must solve problems and brainstorm new ideas. Go out for a walk, sit in a park, visit an art museum, or go have some fun. Sometimes these kinds of activities can spark creativity when we are drained and need new inspiration.
5) Emotional rest – Find time and space to freely express your feelings and cut back on people pleasing. This usually happens best in a trusted relationship with another person, who when they ask you the question, “How are you doing?”, you can honestly answer, “I’m not ok.”
6) Social rest – Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between those relationships that revive us and those relationships that exhaust us. Find people who will fill your bucket when you feel like you have poured out everything you have in your love and service to others.
7) Spiritual rest – Take time in the morning, afternoon, or evening to connect with God in prayer and some time in His Word. This can be a personal devotion time, a Bible study with some friends, and/or listening to a sermon or worship music during the day. Take Jesus up on His invitation form Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
10 Minutes To Find Joy In The Moment
In this moment is right now . . .
· Time:
· Place:
· Most recent activity:
· Three things you might not have notices if you weren’t paying attention:
· Two subjects or pursuits you’re passionate about:
· Two people you can count of for a kind word and support:
· Three things to look forward to:
· Three blessings from God that you are thankful for today:
