Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith writes about 7 types of rest in this article. I learned about this from Macalester’s Spring Professional Activities Workshop in May 2024 during a session led by Benita Jackson
- Physical: This includes both sleep and things like stretching, massage.
- Mental: Breaks from work.
- Sensory: Breaks from stimuli like screens, big crowds, multiple conversation, socializing.
- Creative: For reawakening inspiration
This type of rest is especially important for anyone who must solve problems or brainstorm new ideas. Creative rest reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us.
- Emotional: Times where we take off our masks and have the courage to be ourselves without worrying about pleasing others
- Social: Times where we surround ourselves with people who energize us instead of drain us.
- Spiritual: Times where we can connect with others and the world beyond the physical and mental to achieve a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose.