I just finished reading “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity,” Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine physician, which delves into the often overlooked but critical aspect of health and wellness: Rest. What a “wake up” this book was for me as she presents a compelling case for why rest is essential, not just for physical health, but for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through a blend of scientific insights and personal stories, Dr. Dalton-Smith identifies seven types of rest that individuals need to fully rejuvenate and live fulfilling lives.
The Seven Types of Rest
Physical Rest
- Passive Rest – This includes sleep and naps, crucial for restoring the body. For example, taking a 20-minute nap during the afternoon can help refresh your energy levels.
- Active Rest – Activities like yoga, stretching, and massage improve circulation and flexibility. For instance, a gentle yoga session or a walk in the park can alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Mental Rest
- Techniques to declutter the mind – Practicing mindfulness or meditation for a few minutes a day can help manage overthinking.
- Setting boundaries – Taking regular breaks during work and avoiding multi-tasking can prevent mental fatigue. For example, using a timer to work in focused intervals (like the Pomodoro Technique) can enhance productivity and mental clarity.
Sensory Rest
- Reducing sensory input – Limiting screen time, lowering bright lights, and minimizing background noise can help alleviate sensory overload. For instance, setting a “digital sunset” by turning off electronic devices an hour before bed can promote better sleep.
Finding quiet moments – Engaging in activities like reading a book in a quiet room or taking a silent walk in nature can provide sensory rest.
Creative Rest
- Reconnecting with nature and art – Spending time in nature, visiting a museum, or simply enjoying a beautiful piece of music can inspire and rejuvenate creativity. For example, taking a weekend hike or an art class can spark new ideas and perspectives.
Engaging in activities that promote wonder and awe – Watching a sunset, stargazing, or exploring new places can renew your creative spirit.
Emotional Rest
- Allowing yourself to be authentic – Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist can provide emotional relief. For example, writing in a journal or talking openly about your emotions can help process and release them.
Creating safe spaces – Building supportive relationships where you can be emotionally honest is key. For instance, joining a support group or community where you feel accepted and understood can provide emotional rest.
Social Rest
- Balancing solitude and positive social interactions – Spending time alone to recharge, as well as engaging in meaningful interactions with loved ones, is essential. For example, scheduling a quiet evening at home after a busy social weekend can help balance your social needs.
Recognizing draining relationships – Limiting time with people who exhaust your energy and seeking out those who uplift you is important. For instance, having a coffee date with a close friend who makes you feel valued can be very restorative.
Spiritual Rest
- Engaging in practices that bring a sense of purpose and connection – Prayer, meditation, or participating in a faith community can provide spiritual rest. For example, spending time in meditation or attending a religious service can offer a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.
Finding purpose – Engaging in volunteer work or activities that align with your values can also provide spiritual rest. For instance, volunteering at a local shelter or participating in community service can enhance your sense of purpose and connection to others.
Dr. Dalton-Smith offers practical advice and actionable steps to incorporate each type of rest into daily life. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-care in achieving a balanced and restful lifestyle. The book includes assessments and questionnaires to help readers identify their specific rest deficits and provides tailored strategies to address them.
“Sacred Rest” is more than just a guide to better sleep; it’s a holistic approach to achieving a restful life. By addressing the diverse ways our bodies and minds experience fatigue, Dr. Dalton-Smith provides a comprehensive framework for restoring energy and vitality. Whether you’re a busy professional, a caregiver, or someone simply looking to improve your quality of life, this book offers valuable insights into the necessity of rest and practical ways to achieve it.
Prioritize your well-being by recognizing and honoring your need for rest in its various forms, leading to a more balanced, healthy, and fulfilled life.
Which type of Rest do you think you need most?