Cultivating Rest to Unleash the Zest

Now that we know that rest is not simply cut-and-dry rest, we need tools to pursue the seven types of rest actively. Dr Nicole Avena, a sleep expert, notes that cultivating rest in all these areas is the key to avoiding burnout. Dr Avena also emphasises that "Learning to rest more effectively can help give our brain the rest that it needs to continue functioning optimally." With that in mind, let's actively pursue rest this year.

Physical rest

While cultivating physical rest involves napping or getting more sleep, acquiring physical rest stems beyond that. There's also active physical rest which is restorative and includes activities like meditation, massage, stretching and yoga.

Mental rest

Unplug. Stay off your screens. Practising deep breathing and meditation is a beautiful way of turning off the constant stream of thoughts running through our minds. 

Creative rest

Find inspiration again by getting the creative rest that you need.

Creative rest is when you find natural beauty that refuels your soul. It's the awe of nature and being dumbstruck by art. It's being moved by a song or music. It's found in meditation. Creative rest is inspiring. Ann of Skipping Stones states: "Creative rest feeds our imagination, helps us find joy, fuels our gratitude, and fills us with hope." There is a reason Julia Cameron teaches us to take ourselves on an artist date weekly to tap into our imagination and creativity. So treat yourself on that artist date. Go admire the art in a gallery. Book yourself a ticket to the orchestra. Get lost staring at the lake or at the ocean, or take the dance class you've always wanted to.