What does it mean to Rest?

Most of us treat rest like a simple math equation—tired = need more sleep. But how many times have you logged a full night’s sleep only to wake up feeling like you barely dipped into the recharge bar?

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, in her book Sacred Rest, offers a refreshing reframe: there isn’t one kind of rest—there are seven. And when we give our bodies and minds the right kind of rest, that’s when we finally feel restored. Let’s gently wander through each type and explore small, meaningful ways to welcome more intention (and ease) into your days.

1. Physical Rest

Physical rest is the one we all recognize, but it has more layers than we often acknowledge.

Passive physical rest includes sleep and naps—your classic curl-up-and-unplug. Adults typically need about 7–9 hours of sleep, but your perfect sweet spot might take some experimenting. And while long naps sound heavenly, short 20–30 minute naps are usually kinder to your nighttime sleep rhythm.

Active physical rest, on the other hand, is all about slow, intentional movement—stretching, taking a gentle stroll, yoga, or a soothing massage. These practices tell your nervous system, You’re safe. You can soften now. Even a few minutes of mindful movement can help you reconnect with your breath, your body, and the version of you that isn’t in a hurry.

2. Mental Rest

Mental rest invites your brain to stop flipping through tabs like a browser on overdrive.

Mental fatigue often pops up as racing thoughts, decision overload, or that foggy “I literally cannot think about one more thing” feeling. Giving your brain a break can be as simple as stepping away from pressure-filled tasks and moving toward gentle, grounding activities—washing the dishes slowly, gardening, doing a puzzle, or letting yourself zone into something wonderfully simple.

Tools like a brain dump, journaling, or meditation can help you take your mind out of “go-go-go” mode and into “I can breathe again.”

3. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest is the permission to be your full, unfiltered self without performing, pleasing, or polishing every word.

Emotional labor—managing reactions, smoothing edges, trying to stay “on”—can be draining both at home and at work. If you feel like you’re constantly editing yourself, you may be overdue for emotional rest.

This type of rest includes giving your feelings a hallway pass: expressing your truth to trusted friends, sharing your fears or worries with your therapist, or simply letting yourself feel something without rushing to tidy it up. It can also look like setting boundaries around when you need quiet, noticing who leaves you feeling drained, and validating the emotions that show up asking to be heard.

Emotional rest blossoms in the spaces where you’re allowed to be human.

4. Social Rest

Social rest helps you find that sweet spot between solitude and connection—the balance between being with others and being with yourself.

You don’t need to be an introvert or extrovert to feel socially stretched thin. Overbooking yourself, feeling obligated, or sensing that your social time leaves you more drained than energized are all signs you may need a little recalibration.

You can support yourself by simplifying your schedule, protecting pockets of alone time, or even putting “rest” in your calendar like any other plan. Noticing how you feel before and after spending time with someone—more energized, the same, or depleted—can be a surprisingly helpful compass.

Ultimately, social rest is about surrounding yourself with the people (including you) who help you breathe a little easier.

5. Sensory Rest

Sensory rest is the soothing antidote to a world full of bright screens, buzzing notifications, and constant stimulation.

If “doomscrolling” has become your evening wind-down routine, you’re not alone—but your senses might be begging for something gentler. Sensory rest can be as simple as dimming the lights, turning off tech an hour before bed, enjoying dinner without screens, or taking a phone-free walk.

Giving your senses space to settle helps your brain reconnect with quiet, which is something it deeply needs—even if you don’t realize how much until you feel the difference.

6. Creative Rest

Creative rest is about feeding your sense of wonder—the spark that makes the world feel fresh again.

When life starts feeling monotonous or your creative well runs dry, it may be time to play, explore, or simply experience beauty for the sake of delight. Creative rest can mean visiting a museum, wandering through nature, going to a concert, or picking up a hobby—not to produce something perfect, but because creating is nourishing.

This kind of rest reconnects you to imagination, possibility, and the version of you who lights up when something feels fun or magical.

7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest is about connecting to something bigger than yourself—meaning, purpose, belonging, or simply a sense of “I know where I fit.”

For some, this means prayer, meditation, or attending religious services. For others, it’s found in nature, in community, in volunteering, or in the quiet moments that remind you of what matters.

Spiritual rest invites you to explore the sources of meaning in your life, the places where you feel anchored, and the practices that help you return to yourself.

Final Thoughts: True Rest Is Holistic

Rest isn’t about checking out of your life—it’s about tuning in. Your needs will shift and evolve, which is why learning to listen to your body and your inner world is so essential.

You may need more sleep, yes—but you also may be craving clearer boundaries, quiet moments, honest conversations, real connection, or the spark of inspiration that reminds you you’re alive.

If you slow down long enough to pause and listen, your body will tell you what it needs. Rest becomes less of a mystery and more of a practice—a gentle, ongoing act of care.