I don’t know about you, but I’m already feeling the bustle of December. 

There’s a lot going on this time of year, which makes today's topic even more important.

It’s one of the single most overlooked components when it comes to success and reaching our highest potential.

Rest.

I mean, have you ever felt exhausted despite getting enough sleep?

If so, you might be missing out on other types of rest that are crucial for performance and fulfillment. 

(That's not to say sleep isn't important. Regularly getting 7-9 hours of sleep is recommended for optimal physical and mental health.)

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, M.D. there are 7 types of rest that sleep alone can’t fulfill.

Incorporating them will change how you recharge.

Let’s dive in 👇

1. Mental Rest

What it is: Clearing mental clutter, unwinding your mind, giving it a break from continuous thinking and problem-solving.

Signs you need it: you feel distracted, overwhelmed and unable to focus.

How to get it: schedule short breaks, change your scenery, listen to music, write down your thoughts (to let them go), focus on your breath, turn off devices.

2. Social Rest

What it is: Nurturing and balancing your social interactions.

Signs you need it: you feel drained, like you need some “me time”.

How to get it: focus on the relationships that nourish you, spend time alone, say No (see last week's email!), meet 1:1 instead of in groups, turn down an invitation.

3. Sensory Rest

What it is: Reducing sensory input to rebalance your senses.

Signs you need it: you feel overstimulated, like the light and noise are too much.

How to get it: seek silence, pet your dog/cat, shut your eyes, limit screen time, meditate.

4. Physical Rest

What it is: Allowing your body to relax and recover from physical activities.

Signs you need it: you feel physically tired and achy.

How to get it: breath work, take naps, do yoga, get a massage, focus on your sleep quality.

5. Emotional Rest

What it is: Allowing yourself to feel and express a full range of emotions.

Signs you need it: you feel irritable, stressed, overwhelmed.

How to get it: practice mindful awareness, set boundaries, express yourself creatively, journal, name your emotions, talk to someone.

6. Creative Rest

What it is: Rekindling your sense of wonder and creativity.

Signs you need it: you feel uninspired, out of ideas.

How to get it: connect with nature, let go of the pressure to create, read an inspiring book, visit a museum, play just for fun, take a walk.

7. Spiritual Rest

What it is: Finding deeper meaning and connection beyond yourself.

Signs you need it: you feel disconnected, like you’re drifting

How to get it: practice gratitude, volunteer, connect with like-minded people, pray, join a community, connect your goals to the bigger picture.

As this busy season unfolds, remember that work and rest go hand in hand. 

In fact, the right kind of rest can be one of the biggest catalysts for extraordinary achievements.

Contrary to what hustle culture wants us to believe, rest transforms our performance, creativity and overall well-being.

Rooting for you,

Charlotte