From Exhausted to Energised: Why Rest Is the Key to Your Success

In today’s fast-paced world, many high-achieving women find themselves juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities, and the never-ending mental load of daily life. If you’re like most women I work with, you’re probably running on fumes, feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly short on time. According to the Voice of Women at Work 2023 Report, a staggering 78% of women had felt burnt out in the previous 18 months. But what if the key to breaking free from this exhausting cycle lies not in doing more, but in learning how to rest effectively? In fact, rest might just be your superpower in beating burnout, having more energy, and feeling happier.

Let’s talk about why rest is so crucial and how incorporating these seven different types of rest into your life can help you feel renewed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Why Rest Matters More Than You Think

Burnout is a term that’s become all too familiar, especially for women who are constantly on the go. It’s that state of physical exhaustion, lack of motivation, and mental fatigue that leaves you feeling drained, even after a full night’s sleep. But burnout isn’t just about working too hard or too long; it’s also about not allowing yourself the time to truly rest and recover.

True rest involves allowing both your mind and body to relax and recover from the stresses of daily life. It’s about reaching a state where you can replenish your energy and restore your sense of wellbeing.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. After experiencing burnout myself, I learned that rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And as I’ve worked with clients, I’ve seen time and time again how incorporating different types of rest into their lives can lead to big changes. Their energy levels increase, their stress decreases, and they experience improvements in their mental health, mindset, and overall well-being.

When you embrace rest, you’re not only avoiding the harmful effects of burnout, but you’re also enhancing your ability to think clearly, manage your emotions, increase your performance and enjoy life more fully. Rest can repair your body, calm your mind, and restore your energy—allowing you to show up as your best self in all areas of life.

The 7 Types of Rest You Need in Your Life

Understanding the different types of rest can transform your approach to self-care and wellbeing. Each type of rest serves a unique purpose, and by incorporating them into your life, you can move toward a more balanced, energetic, and fulfilling existence.

1. Physical Rest

Physical rest is more than just sleep. It includes activities like lying down, relaxing your muscles, and engaging in gentle movement. Schedule short breaks throughout your day to stretch, practice deep breathing, or take a brief walk as these can be just as restorative as a nap. Physical rest helps your body recover from the demands and stressors of daily life, reduces muscle tension, and boosts your energy levels.

2. Mental Rest

As a woman, you're likely the one who remembers everyone's schedules, plans the meals, handles the logistics, and carries the mental load of keeping everything on track. Your brain is constantly processing information, making decisions, and solving problems—often without a moment’s pause. Mental rest is essential to give your mind a break from this relentless activity. Incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation, stepping outside in the sunshine for a short break, or engaging in a hobby that lets your mind wander, can provide the mental rest you need to recharge and stay sharp.

3. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest involves allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions in a healthy way. It’s about being honest with yourself and others about how you’re feeling, seeking support when needed, and stepping away from emotionally draining situations. Practice saying no to requests that overwhelm you. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Make time for self-reflection and consider speaking with a therapist or coach if you need additional support.

4. Sensory Rest

We live in a world full of constant stimulation—bright lights, loud noises, and screens everywhere. Sensory rest involves reducing this overload and disconnecting to give your senses a break. Start by reducing screen time, especially in the evening. Create a calm environment with dim lighting and soft sounds. When you can spend time in nature, where you can experience natural sensory input.

5. Creative Rest

Creative rest is about allowing your creativity to flourish. Spend time each week engaging in creative activities that inspire you, whether it’s painting, writing, music or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. This can help rejuvenate your creative energy, bringing about new ideas and more joy. 

6. Social Rest

Social rest involves evaluating your relationships and spending time with people who are positive and supportive, while distancing yourself from energy vampires that drain your energy. Identify the relationships that nourish you and make time for those connections. Set boundaries with individuals who leave you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed.

7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest is about finding meaning and purpose beyond your daily routines. It can be achieved through activities that connect you to something greater than yourself, like meditation, prayer, or community involvement. Engage in practices that align with your beliefs and values, such as attending a place of worship, volunteering, or spending time in reflection and meditation.

How to Start Incorporating Rest into Your Life

Building rest and recovery into your daily routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Introduce one type of rest into your day and gradually build on it as you become more comfortable with the practice. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start small: Even five minutes of quiet time or a brief walk can bring significant benefits. Find what works for you and build on it.

• Schedule it: What gets scheduled gets done. Just as you schedule work meetings or family events, make time for rest in your calendar.

• Be curious: Explore different activities and notice how they make you feel. Experiment with different forms of rest to discover what rejuvenates you the most.

  
  

Remember, rest is not a luxury—it’s essential for your health, happiness, and productivity. By embracing rest in its various forms, you’ll not only prevent burnout but also find yourself more energised, emotionally balanced, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way. So go ahead, give yourself permission to rest—you deserve it.

Source:

The Voice of Women at Work 2023 Report

2018 Dalton-Smith, Saundra - Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity