Have you noticed after the holidays you feel grumpy, tired, and maybe burnt-out?

Even though rest is one of the most basic forms of self-care, many of us are not getting enough. Why is that? 

Here is a clue: sleep is only one type of rest that we need. In this article I will go over the seven different types of rest and explore with you what may be missing to help you feel more alive and well... human.

Many people forget that we too are a part of nature and need to follow suit. In the winter everything in nature slows down, animals will hibernate, plants will go dormant, and it feels like even the flow of time slows down. 

We are all a part of nature, we need to remember that.

Winter is one of the only times during which corporate America normalizes taking time off, and this rare recognition of the human need to rest is definitely something to take advantage of. If you are feeling tired or burnt-out and are able to take time off, it may be something to consider even if you feel uncomfortable asking for time off. Think of it this way: you do not feel bad for receiving your paycheck, so why feel bad or hesitant to use any other benefits you have earned? If you find you are unable to take time off, then focus on finding balance and do less by considering these holistic types of rest.

• Physical rest is the first type of rest most people think of. This may look like getting enough sleep (most people need 7-9 hours of sleep) and napping. Other types of physical rest can look like stretching, yoga, tai chi, slow walks, massages, acupuncture, and chiropractic care to give our bodies the self-love and nurturing they need after running around during the holidays. Personally, I like taking a lavender bath and using an oil diffuser to calm my nerves. Some cultures also believe in giving the body rest by eating easily digestible foods so that your stomach, guts, liver, and kidneys do not have to work as hard. For more information on that research visit Ayurvedic Panchakarma Cleanses and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Benefits of Congee. You will know you need more physical rest if your body feels stiff or sore, if you need caffeine to get you through the day, or if you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. 
• Mental rest is needed when we need to give the brain a break - a break from the endless to-do list, different ways you wished a conversation had gone, feeling mental fog, or finding yourself forgetting little things. It can be hard to quiet the brain and turn off the constant chatter up there. The intention here is not to completely stop all thought, but to slow it down and focus on being more present. Ways to do this are triaging or prioritizing your to-do list and giving yourself no more than three tasks a day. Another way could be keeping a journal or note pad to write down any last thoughts or plans before heading off to bed. Many people also find listening to calming music or meditations while falling asleep very helpful. Ask yourself, "Is my brain at max capacity?" If so, try taking some mental rest. 
• Social rest, which we talked a little bit about in December's article, can look like taking a break from social engagements, honoring the self by saying no when you do not want to do something, and blocking out days on your calendar as no-plan days. An extreme example of getting social rest that I like to flex every winter is asking my family and friends to give me the month of January off from socializing. However, getting this type of rest can also be as easy as paying attention to your social batteries and ending the conversation when you are done or leaving a social function early versus staying longer than feels comfortable.

Some relationships charge our social batteries, some drain our batteries. Be mindful about who you surround yourself with.

• Emotional rest is needed when we feel like we are carrying too much, be it our own burdens or others'. This can look like self-doubt or being in a place that does not feel safe to share feelings or express yourself. To remedy this, find a safe place or person to share your feelings, talk to a therapist, cry or laugh or shout, cut back on people-pleasing, and definitely limit your exposure to social media and the news.
• Sensory rest. There is stimulation everywhere: the blue light from our phones and fluorescent lights, house and outside noises, constant movement, and clutter. Think about your five senses and how much input you are receiving non-stop. You will know you need more sensory rest if you feel heightened anxiety, stressed by your surroundings, or overwhelmed. My top three favorite ways to get sensory rest is to create space for non-screen time, even if it is only several minutes. Creating intentional dark space - think adult blanket forts, in which you can cuddle with some soft blankets and close your eyes. I call mine The Fortress of Solitude. Lastly, stepping away from our world of technology and into the quiet outside. Nature is so restorative and research backs that time spent outside can reduce depression and anxiety.
• Creative rest is for all types, not just creative people. You may need creative rest if you are feeling stuck, unmotivated, or listless. To get out of this funk you may challenge yourself to think outside the box, take time to slow down and appreciate beauty, or really lean into your passions and find inspiration. One easy way to get creative rest that anyone can try is during some free time, do something you would not normally do, shake up your routine, and do that thing on your bucket list you have been putting off.
• Spiritual rest. When not met, this seventh type of rest may loo like a lack of feeling connected, feeling lost, or even aimlessness. The good news is that there are many different ways to overcome this barrier. For religious individuals, how long has it been since you have been to service, or talked to someone from your faith community? Take some time to intentionally do that. For those who feel spiritual, but not religious: connect to nature. What calls to you: the break of the ocean waves, the songs of birds in the forest, the howl of the wind on top of mountains, the sound of a gentle breeze blowing through grass in a field? Answer that call and go out there. And for those who identify as not believing in anything, spending time with those close to you will be important. Being present, noticing the little things, and leaning into slow living will heal that void you may be feeling.

You can need spiritual rest, even if you are not spiritual.

So now ask yourself, "Am I getting enough rest? Are there things I would like to improve upon? What do I want more of?" I think rest after the holidays or during what I like to call Winter Part II is so crucially needed. We are a part of nature and so likewise we too need to slow down, hibernate (a little), focus inwards, and rest. If these seven different types of rest are something that pique your interest and you would like to delve deeper into, I suggest looking up the wheel of wellness or taking a life wellness quiz, but be warned not all quizzes are made equally.