November 05, 2024

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly juggling the needs and expectations of everyone around you? Does it feel like no matter how much sleep you get, you’re still exhausted?

Here’s the truth: rest isn’t just about sleep. It’s about understanding the deeper layers of what your body, mind, and soul are craving. And sometimes, the exhaustion you’re feeling isn’t physical at all—it’s emotional, social, or sensory.

Let’s explore three often-overlooked types of rest—emotional rest, social rest, and sensory rest—and how meeting these needs can transform how you feel, starting today.

1. Emotional Rest: Take Off the Mask

Do you find yourself saying “yes” when you want to say “no”? Do you spend your days trying to please everyone around you, while silently suppressing your own emotions? This is where emotional rest comes in.

Emotional rest is the freedom to be your authentic self without fear of judgment. It’s about having a space—or a person—where you can let down your guard and say what you really feel, without filtering your words to protect others or worrying about how you’ll be perceived.

I once worked with a client, Amanda, who was everyone’s go-to person. She was the rock for her family, her colleagues, and her friends. But inside, she was running on empty. She realized that while she was supporting everyone else, she had no one supporting her. Through our sessions, she found her “safe people” and created intentional time to express her emotions freely. She discovered the power of emotional rest—and it changed her life.

Ask yourself:

• Who are the people in your life that feel safe?
• Who can you turn to and be 100% yourself without fear of judgment?

Action Step:
If you don’t already have someone like this in your life, it’s time to seek out emotional rest. This could mean journaling your feelings, finding a therapist, or confiding in a trusted friend. And if you are that person for others, remind yourself that you, too, deserve a space to be vulnerable.

2. Social Rest: Protect Your Energy

Ever feel like some relationships drain you, while others leave you feeling uplifted? That’s because not all connections are created equal. Some people pour into us like a tap, while others can feel like drains, pulling energy away from us.

Social rest is about finding the balance between giving and receiving. If you’re constantly giving—supporting friends, family, or colleagues—you’ll eventually hit emotional burnout. Social rest isn’t about cutting people off; it’s about being intentional with your time and energy.

Think of it like this: Who leaves you feeling energized after a conversation? And who leaves you feeling depleted?

A client of mine, Ryan, was in the middle of supporting a family member through a difficult time. While he loved helping, he realized he hadn’t spent time with anyone who lifted him up in months. We worked on carving out moments for “tap” relationships—spending time with friends who inspired and encouraged him. He felt a noticeable shift almost immediately.

Action Step:
Take inventory of your relationships. Spend more time with people who energize you and less with those who drain you. If you’re in a season where giving is unavoidable, like caring for a loved one, be sure to schedule moments for yourself with people who refill your emotional tank.

3. Sensory Rest: Quiet the Noise

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to just be? No podcasts, no notifications, no screens—just stillness.

In today’s world, we’re bombarded with sensory input from the moment we wake up. The buzzing of phones, the glare of screens, the hum of constant background noise. It’s no wonder so many of us feel frazzled and overstimulated.

Sensory rest is about intentionally stepping away from the noise. It’s not just about turning off your devices—it’s about creating quiet moments where your mind and body can decompress.

For me, sensory rest often looks like sitting with my morning coffee, watching the light change as the day begins. No music, no scrolling—just quiet. It’s amazing how those few minutes of stillness can ground me for the entire day.

Action Step:
Start small. Take 5-10 minutes each day to disconnect. Maybe it’s a quiet walk where you leave your phone at home, or simply sitting by a window and letting your mind wander. Give your senses the gift of stillness and notice how much calmer you feel.

The Connection Between Rest and Fulfillment

Here’s what I’ve learned: Emotional, social, and sensory rest aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. When you take the time to meet these needs, you’re not just resting—you’re honoring yourself. You’re saying, I matter. My well-being matters.

So many of us go through life running on empty, thinking that more sleep or a vacation will fix our exhaustion. But rest is about more than recharging your physical body. It’s about reconnecting with what you truly need—whether that’s emotional release, social balance, or sensory stillness.

Which Rest Do You Need Most?

Pause for a moment and reflect:

• Are you emotionally drained, constantly managing everyone else’s feelings?
• Are you socially depleted, giving more than you’re receiving?
• Are you overstimulated, longing for a break from the constant noise?

Once you’ve identified what’s missing, take one small step today to meet that need. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Rest is a practice, not a destination.

Final Thought: Give Yourself Permission

You deserve rest—not just the physical kind, but the kind that nurtures your soul. Whether it’s finding a safe space to express yourself, spending time with people who uplift you, or creating moments of stillness in your busy life, rest is the foundation for a life that feels balanced and whole.

So, ask yourself: What kind of rest do I need today? And then give yourself permission to take it. Because you’re worth it.