Nurturing Your Body’s Need for Rest: A Naturopathic Perspective

Written by Arabella Richards

When we think about rest, most of us immediately imagine a good night’s sleep. But rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a multifaceted concept, with various types that cater to different aspects of our well-being. The truth is, getting quality sleep is just one part of the equation; our bodies and minds need a combination of rest strategies to truly feel rejuvenated. Let's dive into the different types of rest and how each contributes to our overall health.

1. Physical Rest: Restoring the Body

Physical rest is the most associated type of rest, such as sleep, napping, and relaxation. This kind of rest is crucial for allowing the body to recover, repair, and regenerate. After intense physical activity, like exercise or even a long workday, the body needs time to heal muscles and replenish energy stores.

Active Rest

While complete rest (like sleeping or lying down) is beneficial, active rest can also play an important role in physical recovery. This refers to low-intensity activities such as walking, deep stretching, or yoga. Active rest helps with blood circulation, reduces muscle stiffness, and keeps the body from becoming too sedentary.

2. Mental Rest: Recharging the Brain

Mental rest might be the most elusive type of rest, especially in our information-saturated world. Our brains are constantly processing thoughts, ideas, and stimuli, which can lead to mental fatigue or burnout if we don’t give ourselves adequate breaks.

One way to achieve mental rest is by taking short breaks throughout the day to step away from tasks and clear your mind. Reading a fictional novel, incorporating mindfulness practices, or simply taking a few deep breaths can help to reset the mind. Even a short time away from screens or stressful thoughts can give your brain the mental space it needs to recover. Writing down circulating and stressful thoughts can assist with pulling them out of your mind.

3. Sensory Rest: Dimming the Senses

Our senses, sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste are constantly bombarded by stimuli, especially in today’s world of constant notifications and distractions. Sensory overload can cause fatigue, irritability, and stress. Sensory rest focuses on giving your senses a break.

For example, spending time in a quiet environment without digital screens, loud noises, or bright lights can offer your senses the respite they need. This type of rest is especially important for those who spend a lot of time in front of screens or in noisy environments. A “digital detox” or simply turning off the lights for a while can help you feel more relaxed and centred. Another beautiful way to encourage sensory rest is by exposing yourself to relaxing sensors, such as floating in the ocean or going on a gentle nature walk.

4. Emotional Rest: Releasing Mental Burdens

Emotional rest is all about allowing ourselves the space to feel and process our emotions, rather than suppressing or ignoring them. If we constantly hold in our emotions or mask our true feelings (for the sake of others, work, or even just to keep things running smoothly), it can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.

To experience emotional rest, we need to acknowledge and release these emotions. This might involve talking to a trusted friend, journaling, or seeking therapy or counselling. Giving ourselves permission to feel and express emotions without judgment helps lighten the emotional load and restores balance.

5. Social Rest: Recharging Social Batteries

Humans are social creatures, but constant interaction with others can be draining for some people. Social rest is about recognising when you need a break from social obligations and the demands of other people. For introverts, in particular, social rest is crucial to recharging their energy.

This doesn’t mean avoiding people altogether, but rather seeking moments of solitude where you can recharge without the need to entertain or be “on.” Whether it’s spending time alone with a good book, walking in nature, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, taking time to disconnect from social pressures can be revitalizing.

6. Creative Rest: Nurturing Inspiration

For those involved in creative work, such as artists, writers, designers, musicians, or anyone who regularly engages in creative tasks, creative rest is essential. Constantly producing new ideas or solutions can leave you feeling uninspired, stuck, or “blocked.” Creative rest involves giving yourself permission to step away from the creative process and allowing your mind to wander freely.

This type of rest encourages you to seek inspiration in new ways, by watching a movie, reading something unrelated to your work, or simply doing nothing. A change of environment, a new hobby, or time spent outdoors can all help to rejuvenate creative energy. It’s about giving your mind the space to come up with new ideas without force or pressure. When I experience a creative block, I either engage in a different creative activity, such as painting, or I go on a long walk in the morning sunlight to allow creative thoughts to naturally unravel.

7. Spiritual Rest: Reconnecting with Your Inner Self

Spiritual rest refers to connecting with a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging. This type of rest might not have religious connotations for everyone, but it’s about aligning with your values and engaging in practices that nourish your soul.

For some, spiritual rest is found in meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature. For others, it might involve journaling, engaging in acts of kindness, or simply reflecting on life’s bigger picture. Spiritual rest allows you to feel grounded and at peace with yourself and the world around you.

8. Unplugged Rest: A Full System Reset

Unplugging from technology is a modern form of rest that often goes underappreciated. Our devices are constantly pulling for our attention, whether through social media, emails, or work notifications. Taking intentional breaks from screens can provide a profound reset for both your mind and body.

Setting boundaries around your screen time, turning off notifications, and engaging in offline activities like reading, crafting, or being in social settings and building robust connections without looking at your phone can help you regain focus, sleep better, and feel more present in the moment. Unplugging for even a few hours a day can be the result of dramatic improvements in how you feel.

9: How A Naturopath Can Help

If you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or struggling to find peace, Naturopathic medicine can offer valuable support. We can work together by creating personalised lifestyle and dietary plans designed to support both your mental and physical wellbeing, helping you relax and restore balance to the mind, body, and soul.

Book now

Love, Arabella | Balance By Bell Naturopathy