How’s your calendar looking? If it’s anything like mine, it’s starting to fill up pretty quickly. Because December’s just one of those months, isn’t it? There’s SO much on, from work dos, to family gatherings, Christmas shopping, parties to plan, you name it. Add a small child to the equation and it all begins to feel like it’s getting a bit hectic.
That’s why now more than any other time of the year, it’s important to set aside time to rest. And rest doesn’t just mean not doing anything. For me, that’s actually counterproductive—I get stressed because I’m worried I’m not being productive enough. Instead, consciously set aside time for yourself.
Rest comes in many forms, and done right, it gives your body and mind the opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate.
5 types of rest
1️⃣ Physical rest
This doesn’t just mean sitting down, or having a nap (although there’s a time and place for both of those. It also includes restorative activities, such as stretching, or going for a slow, contemplative walk.
2️⃣ Mental rest
Notifications are designed to stimulate our brains, so unplug and give your brain a break. There are different levels, from five minutes of meditation, to turning off your notifications, to logging off social media for a week, so do what feels comfortable.
3️⃣ Emotional rest
Self-care is essential here. It’s different for everyone, and only you know what will be best for you. Personally, journalling, gratitude, and spending time in nature help me reflect and recuperate.
4️⃣ Sensory rest
Run a deep, hot bath and sink into it. Or if like me, you hate baths, a long hot shower. It doesn’t even have to be wash-related. Turn your phone off and put on a relaxing playlist. And when the weather’s better, I can't recommend forest bathing enough (you’d have to be pretty hardy to try it now though).
5️⃣ Creative rest
When was the last time you did something creative, just for the sake of it? But when you ignore the output and let your inner creativity take over, you can give yourself a break from the stress of the everyday.
December’s always going to be overwhelming. And remember, you don’t have to say yes to everything. You don’t even have to say yes to all of these types of rest. Take it at your own pace, and do the things that you want to do. It’ll make everything just a little bit easier.
