The seven types of rest to embrace in the festive holidays
1 December 2024
Georgie Mai-Manning
Clinic Director
How often do we hear somebody say that they’re in need of a rest? We’ve probably all said it at one time or another, and probably never more so than when we head towards the festive holidays and the end of the year. There is something about building up to that ‘hard stop’ in December that makes us think about everything we’ve managed through the year, and for many people it’s the first time in a long time that they’ve had the opportunity to stop, decompress, and engage in some well needed rest.
Did you know that there are seven types of rest available to us? Some of them may surprise you – read on for more info, and some thoughts as to how you can take advantage of these power tools over the festive break to make sure you recharge and get your new year off to the very best possible start.
Physical rest
Physical rest refers to taking a break from physical activity to allow your body to rest and recover, and it includes both active and passive components. Physical rest involves intentionally slowing down and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and reduce physical tension. It allows your body to heal from any physical strain or injuries and recharge for future activities, and can also help to reduce stress, improve physical health, and promote better sleep quality.
Passive physical rest:
• Napping and sleeping
• Breathing exercises
• Relaxing baths
• Massages
Active physical rest:
• Gentle walks
• Stretching
• Yoga and other non-resistant movement practices
• Anything that allows your body to move in a restful, peaceful state.
We’ve popped physical rest at the top of our list not because it is the most important – because that varies for everyone, but it tends to be the type of rest that we all lean towards – our default resting state.
However, if you’re the opposite – if you’re someone who engages in regular sports and gym training and finds it stressful to take a break from your physical regime, especially with gyms closed or training buddies unavailable over the festive break, take a read of our blog; “Mix up your exercise routine for a boost to body and mind this festive season”, for some help and reasoning.
Mental rest
Mental rest refers to giving your mind a break from cognitive tasks, and allowing it to relax and recharge. It involves taking time off from mental exertion such as work or school related activities, and engaging in activities that promote rest and relaxation such as reading an enjoyable book, taking a nap, going for a walk or practicing meditation. Mental rest helps reduce stress, improve focus and productivity, and promote all round better mental health. Mental rest allows us to be able to reclaim our minds by quieting thoughts, decluttering our minds, slowing our pace of thinking, and becoming present so that we’re not ruminating in the past or worrying about the future.
With many of us enjoying a breather from the many routine cognitive tasks involved in running a home, work, going to school or university, the festive break usually means we get to enjoy a mental rest as a given.
Emotional rest
Emotional rest refers to taking a break or time off to recharge from emotional stressors, such as intense feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, sadness or anger. It involves engaging in activities that promote relaxation and reduce emotional tension, such as spending time with loved ones, doing activities you enjoy, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply taking a break from responsibilities. Emotional rest helps improve mental health, reduce burnout and increase overall wellbeing.
Hopefully you will have extra time on your hands in the festive season and your routine stressors will not feature in your day-to-day. However, if family-time is potentially triggering, make sure you take some time to yourself!
Spiritual rest
Spiritual rest refers to taking time to focus on, and nurture your spiritual wellbeing. It involves engaging in activities that help you connect with your deeper self, such as meditation, journalling, spending time in nature, or participating in religious or spiritual practices. Spiritual rest can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improve overall mental health and promote a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. It also helps you to gain a sense of perspective and connect with something bigger than yourself.
How about learning about meditation, breathwork, or yes, the evolution of the universe to take yourself away from your past and future, and land you firmly within yourself and the present.
Creative rest
Creative rest refers to taking a break from daily routines and responsibilities to engage in creative activities that bring your joy and inspiration. It involves finding ways to express your creativity such as writing, painting, singing, dancing or exploring new ideas. Creative rest can help you reduce stress, improve problem solving skills, and boost overall mental health and wellbeing. It also provides an opportunity to explore your inner-self and tap into your passions and interests.
You may not consider yourself to be a particularly creative person, but remember, anything that brings you joy and satisfaction is wonderful for mindfulness and promoting rest. How about building a gingerbread house?? 😉
Sensory rest
Sensory rest refers to taking a break from stimuli and sensory input to allow your senses to recharge. It involves reducing the amount of noise, light, and other sensory input in your environment to give your brain a chance to rest and recover. Examples of sensory rest include spending time in a quiet room, taking a break from computer screens or phone screens, or spending time in nature. Sensory rest can help reduce feelings of overwhelm, improve concentration and focus, and promote better sleep quality.
Just turn your phone off, or pop it on ‘do not disturb’. What’s the worst that could happen?
Social rest
Social rest refers to taking a break from social interactions to recharge and rejuvenate. It involves intentionally setting boundaries and giving yourself permission to say ‘no’ to social events when you need a break. Examples of social rest include spending time alone, having a quiet night at home, or taking a break from social media. Social rest can help reduce feelings of burnout, improve overall mental health, and promote better self-awareness and self-care. In addition to allowing you to recharge and reconnect with yourself and your needs, social rest reconnects us to the people we love and gives us time for the most rewarding relationships.
Think ‘hygge’ what the Scandinavians call a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality – often with loved ones, time at home, and hot choc!
How we can help
We hope you found this blog interesting and thought provoking.
If you are struggling, or need any support with an injury or pain, please get in touch and let us help you in any way that we can.
We are a team of injury and rehabilitation professionals, here to help you with anything from a niggling ache through to recovery from a more serious injury or operation. Together we work with just about everyone – adults and children, amateur and semi-pro athletes, builders, office workers – if you have pain, an injury, or a problem with movement we are here for you!
