January 03, 2025

Have you ever woken up after a full night’s sleep and still felt… tired? You’ve checked off the “get more sleep” box, and yet, there’s a heaviness you can’t shake—a weariness that no amount of snoozing seems to cure. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth no one tells you: Not all tiredness is solved by more sleep.

Sometimes, the exhaustion you feel isn’t just physical. It’s mental, emotional, social, or even spiritual. And if you’re constantly pouring from an empty cup, it’s no wonder the usual “just get some rest” advice isn’t hitting the mark.

It’s time to stop treating tiredness like a one-size-fits-all problem and recognize that rest isn’t one-size-fits-all either.

Let’s Talk About Rest That Actually Restores You

I used to think being tired just meant I needed more sleep. But over time, I noticed that even when I clocked 8+ hours, I still felt depleted. That’s when I came across a fascinating concept from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s book Sacred Rest, where she explains there are seven distinct types of rest—each targeting a different kind of tiredness.

This idea completely shifted how I understood my own energy and recovery. And once I started identifying the right kind of rest I needed, everything changed. Let’s break it down together so you can start feeling truly recharged, too.

The 7 Types of Rest (and How to Know Which One You Need)

1. Physical Rest

This is the most obvious one, and it’s where most of us start. Physical rest can be passive (like sleep or lounging on the couch) or active (like yoga, stretching, or a gentle walk). If your body feels achy, fatigued, or sluggish, this is probably the kind of rest you need.

Ask yourself: Am I constantly feeling physically drained? Do I allow my body enough time to recover, or am I pushing through exhaustion?

Try this: Take a nap, schedule a massage, or build some light, restorative movement into your day. Even 10 minutes of stretching can work wonders.

2. Mental Rest

Ever feel like your brain just won’t shut off? Maybe you’re juggling too many thoughts, replaying the day’s conversations, or overthinking every little decision. This mental clutter can leave you feeling mentally drained, even if you’ve done little physical work.

Ask yourself: Am I caught in an endless loop of to-do lists and overthinking? Do I wake up feeling overwhelmed before the day even starts?

Try this: Give your brain a break by journaling your thoughts or practicing mindfulness. Create space in your day where you’re not consuming information—yes, that means putting down your phone!

3. Emotional Rest

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s emotions? Whether it’s being the go-to friend, the family peacekeeper, or the supportive coworker, emotional labor can be exhausting. Emotional rest is about having the space to be yourself—without performing, pretending, or caretaking.

Ask yourself: Am I saying “yes” to too many people? Do I feel emotionally drained after conversations?

Try this: Set boundaries with those who drain your energy. Surround yourself with people who allow you to show up authentically. And most importantly, give yourself permission to feel your own emotions, without guilt.

4. Social Rest

Sometimes, even the people we love the most can exhaust us. Social rest doesn’t necessarily mean isolating yourself—it’s about finding the balance between nourishing connections and draining interactions.

Ask yourself: Do I feel energized or drained after spending time with certain people? Am I spending too much time with others and not enough time with myself?

Try this: Prioritize time with people who uplift and energize you. If needed, take a break from social obligations and lean into solitude—it’s okay to say no.

5. Sensory Rest

In our constantly connected, always-on world, sensory overload is a silent energy thief. The endless scrolling, notifications, bright lights, and background noise take a toll on your nervous system, leaving you feeling overstimulated and frazzled.

Ask yourself: Am I glued to my screens all day? Do I feel overwhelmed by noise, light, or constant stimulation?

Try this: Turn off notifications, unplug for a while, or spend time in silence. Dimming the lights and practicing deep breathing can also help reset your senses.

6. Creative Rest

If you’re in a job or life role that requires constant problem-solving or creativity, you might be experiencing creative burnout. Creative rest is about reawakening your sense of wonder and inspiration—letting your brain recharge by consuming beauty rather than creating output.

Ask yourself: Do I feel uninspired, stuck, or out of ideas? When was the last time I enjoyed art, nature, or music without a purpose?

Try this: Take a walk in nature, visit a museum, or simply let yourself daydream without any pressure to be “productive.” Let beauty refill your creative cup.

7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest is about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself. This doesn’t have to be religious—although it can be. It’s about finding purpose, meaning, and a sense of belonging.

Ask yourself: Do I feel disconnected from my purpose? Am I craving deeper meaning or connection in my life?

Try this: Spend time in prayer, meditation, or simply reflecting on your values and purpose. Volunteering or practicing gratitude can also help restore a sense of spiritual alignment.

Awareness Is the First Step

Here’s the thing: You can’t fix what you don’t recognize. If you’re feeling tired but nothing seems to help, it might be time to pause and ask yourself, What kind of rest do I actually need?

As James Baldwin once said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Awareness is your starting point. By identifying what kind of tired you are, you can begin to restore your energy in the ways that truly matter.

What Type of Rest Do You Need Today?

Take a moment—right now—and check in with yourself. What’s draining you? Where do you feel depleted? And most importantly, what small step can you take today to give yourself the kind of rest you truly need?

Because here’s the truth: Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. And once you start meeting your real needs, you’ll not only feel more energized, but you’ll also show up for your life in a way that’s more vibrant, more present, and more fulfilled.

So go ahead—give yourself permission to rest. You deserve it.

Final Thought: Rest Isn’t Lazy—It’s Healing

Remember, rest isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what restores you. The next time you feel tired, don’t just assume you need more sleep. Tune in, reflect, and give yourself exactly what you need. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it.