We live in a world that insists we can manage everything. As we strive to juggle a thriving career, a happy family, a healthy social life, a strong relationship, endless household tasks, and our own well-being, life can become overwhelming. During times of stress, our initial sacrifice often involves sleep and rest. Our tendency is to prioritize our careers and the needs of others over everything else. This is particularly true for women, who often resist rest and feel guilty if they can't accomplish every task on their never-ending list.
From a young age, women are taught that proving their worth requires success. However, this pursuit of success often involves constant engagement, leading us to accept burnout as an inevitable part of life – something we shouldn’t confess to others. Surprisingly, over 27% of adults admit to being too stressed to function, with women being over twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety and extreme stress, according to the American Psychological Association.
The heightened stress levels experienced by women are a result of various factors, including the disproportionate emotional and domestic labor they undertake, which takes both a mental and physical toll. In order to counteract the physical and psychological consequences of severe stress that many women faces, rest is absolutely essential.
Resting might seem complex and uncomfortable, particularly for high achievers. We’re conditioned to avoid boredom at all costs, and we constantly feel there’s more to be done. Perfectionism can also contribute to resisting rest, as many women fear missing out on something important by taking time to pause and reflect. Nevertheless, by acknowledging that constant productivity isn’t sustainable, we grant ourselves permission to pause for our own well-being. Paradoxically, taking breaks can enhance our performance in other areas of life.
The fundamental truth is that rest is vital for both our mental and physical well-being, yet we often fall short. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified insufficient sleep as a public health crisis. Although it might seem that there aren’t enough hours in a day, dedicating time to rest is critical. Simply obtaining 7 hours (or more) of sleep can bolster the immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease, enhance mood, and reduce anxiety, increase energy levels, and improve concentration and focus. Moreover, recent studies have linked inadequate sleep to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Beyond its benefits for mind and body, prioritizing rest is an act of genuine self-care.
However, sometimes achieving a full 8 hours of sleep within a busy schedule isn’t feasible. Fortunately, that isn’t the sole avenue for practicing self-care through rest and rejuvenation. There are seven types of rest that humans need to feel recharged and invigorated: physical rest, mental rest, social rest, creative rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, and sensory rest. If your plate is too full for a comprehensive self-care evening, try focusing on just one of these types of rest to recharge.
Physical Rest
While this might seem obvious, our bodies tend to retain stress, and rest is essential for recovering from activities such as a board meeting, a taxing study session, or a workout. A brief nap can provide energy and allow the body to reset. If time is limited, simple activities like stretching, breathing exercises, self-massage, or jumping jacks can boost circulation and trigger positive neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, or dopamine. I recommend these gummies to help calm your mind to prepare for sleep.
Mental Rest
Even when our bodies are at rest, our minds often continue to cycle through to-do lists or replay interactions from the day. This means that although we’re physically resting, we can still feel drained. Writing down persistent thoughts or discussing them with a professional can help. Meditation is also effective in detaching from these thoughts. Pausing you day to enjoy a cup of tea and take a moment to yourself can reset your energy and clear your mind. I love this Cup of Calm Tea with Lavender and Mint. Additionally, taking breaks during the day to process thoughts – like going for a walk or chatting with a friend during lunch – can provide space to address concerns without doing so when trying to sleep.
Social Rest
Interacting with certain individuals or feeling the need to always be “on” around others can be exhausting, and this drain might go unnoticed. Prioritizing relationships where you can be authentic and feel energized is crucial. Save more challenging interactions for times when you have more energy to spare, rather than before a demanding week.
Creative Rest
We all employ creative energy daily, whether in artistic endeavors or problem-solving. While creativity can be energizing, constantly producing, solving, and inventing can also be draining. Taking a creative rest involves immersing yourself in inspiration and allowing it to seep in. This could mean strolling through a botanical garden, visiting a museum, attending a concert, or simply gazing at the sky. By indulging in beauty, we can foster new ideas and find solace from the routine grind.
Spiritual Rest
When feeling disconnected or contending with existential thoughts, seeking spiritual rest can be beneficial. This could involve reconnecting with religion or engaging in simple acts like meditation or reading books that resonate with you. This book of short poems is the perfect way to reconnect with yourself. Although it requires energy, volunteering can provide a spark outside of work or home life, grounding you in a meaningful way.
Sensory Rest
In this digital age, we’re bombarded by images, media, and screens throughout the day, even if we’re not consciously aware of it. This perpetual exposure can lead to mental exhaustion. Often, our notion of rest involves screens – binge-watching TV shows or playing video games. Paradoxically, these activities can negatively affect mental health and drain energy. Rather than turning to screens, step outside and engage with the sensations around you. Light a candle and take a moment to go inward. Take a walk and observe your surroundings, close your eyes and immerse yourself in music. Additionally, consider taking extended breaks from your phone, especially when waking up and before going to bed.
Emotional Rest
Emotionally intense situations like breakups, job losses, grief, or crises can deplete all our resources. Our bodies can retain tension and emotion as our minds work overtime to process these feelings. To achieve emotional rest, seeking guidance from a professional can be immensely valuable. Having the space to process and validate emotions, along with professional guidance, can provide substantial relief. Additionally, finding outlets like painting, exercising, or spending time in nature can help navigate these emotions, preventing them from stagnating in your mind and draining your energy. I have curated a collection of books here for you to support you as you rest emotionally.
The notion that rest is synonymous with idleness or inefficiency must be dispelled. Instead, rest serves as the cornerstone of our well-being, enabling us to thrive in all aspects of life. By prioritizing rest, we grant ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and recharge, thereby enhancing our overall effectiveness and resilience. It’s time to shift our perspective and recognize that embracing rest is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to our commitment to leading a healthier, more balanced, and more productive life.
In a world that races forward, remember that the path to success is not a sprint but a journey that requires intermittent pauses for rest and rejuvenation. By valuing rest as an integral part of our lives, we can rewrite our narratives, embracing vitality, balance, and the fulfillment of our true potential. If you need support in your efforts to rest, you can connect with me here. I’m here to help.
Babita Spinelli
Licensed Psychotherapist & Certified Coach.
https://babitaspinelligroup.com/
https://openingthedoorspsychotherapy.com/
