In need of rest

Rest Comes in Many Forms

When life feels overwhelming or exhausting, we often tell ourselves we “just need a good night’s sleep.” And while sleep is important, sometimes it just isn’t enough. Have you ever woken up still feeling tired? This may be because your body, mind, or heart are asking for a different kind of rest.

Rest isn’t only about closing our eyes – it’s about creating space to breathe, to pause, and to reconnect with ourselves. There are many ways we can rest, each nourishing us in a different way:

• Physical rest – letting the body slow down, through sleep, stretching, or simply pausing.

• Mental rest – giving the mind a break from constant thinking and problem-solving.

• Emotional rest – allowing ourselves to be real and honest, without pressure to perform.

• Social rest – balancing time with others and time alone, choosing connections that replenish rather than drain.

• Sensory rest – easing the overwhelm of screens, noise, or bright lights.

• Creative rest – soaking in beauty, nature, or art to inspire and uplift us.

• Spiritual rest – finding peace in connection to something greater, whether through faith, meaning, or the natural world.

If you’re feeling exhuasted, try asking yourself: What kind of rest do I need right now? The answer may change from day to day. By listening to these needs, you give yourself permission not just to recover, but to truly restore.

Journalling prompt:

Take a few quiet minutes and write down:

• Which type of rest am I craving today?

• What small step could I take to give myself that kind of rest?