Take a break! You deserve it.

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop” - Ovid.

Happy Sunday to all new and old readers! Thank you for being here.

In the hustle of today’s life, rest often takes a backseat. Yet, it is a vital component of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Rest is not just about getting enough sleep; it comes in various forms that replenish our energy and enhance our well-being.

Today’s Summary:

• The Different Types of Rest.

• How I Found Rest In New York.

• Three Rest Ideas For You.

The Different Types of Rest.

1. Physical Rest

   • It can be passive, like sleeping and napping.

   • Or active, like yoga and stretching, which improve circulation and flexibility.

2. Mental Rest

   • Involves breaks from cognitive tasks.

   • This can mean stepping away from screens, meditating, or doing anything to clear your mind.

3. Emotional Rest

   • Requires you to express feelings openly and honestly.

   • Allows you to process emotions and reduces stress.

4. Social Rest

   • Means surrounding yourself with positivity and supportive people.

   • Sometimes taking a break from socializing to enjoy solitude.

5. Spiritual Rest

   • Involves activities that renew your purpose.

   • Examples: meditation, prayer, or community service.

6. Sensory Rest

   • Dim the lights, turn off screens, and reduce noise.

   • Give your senses a break from constant stimulation.

7. Creative Rest

   • Rejuvenates creative energy through nature, art, or music exposure.

Dr. Dalton-Smith’s Insights.

Dr. Dalton-Smith is renowned for her work on rest and well-being. At a 2019 TedTalk, she shared her insights on the importance of various types of rest, helping many find balance in their busy lives.

Click here to watch her TedTalk on rest.

How I Found Rest in New York.

Last week, I went to New York for my birthday, a city that is always vibrant with energy. Among the towering skyscrapers and never-ending sea of people, I found rest most unexpectedly.

• Physical Rest: Walking in Central Park, letting the natural beauty be my active recovery.

• Mental Rest: Turning off my phone and losing myself in the world of books at the Strand Bookstore.

• Emotional and Social Rest: Conversations with old friends over coffee in Greenwich Village.

• Spiritual Rest: Quiet moments in the city’s historic churches.

• Sensory Rest: Sitting on a bench, watching the sunset over the Hudson River.

• Creative Rest: Exploring vibrant MoMa art collections.

This trip made me realize the importance of recognizing when we need rest. It's not escaping life but finding moments of peace within it.

Whether it is a vacation or just a few minutes each day, rest is essential for our health and happiness.

Quick Rest Ideas For You

Try incorporating different types of rest into your daily routines and recognizing that by doing so, you’re not being lazy but smart about your well-being.

 Here are three quick rest ideas you can try out this week.

1. Physical Rest: Take short walks or light stretching during breaks to rejuvenate your body.

2. Mental Rest: Implement a ‘no-screen time’ for a certain period each day to distract from digital stimulation.

3. Emotional Rest: Set aside daily moments for self-reflection or journaling to process emotions and reduce stress.

I hope this encourages you to find your moments of rest, just as I did in one of my favourite cities in the world.

Wishing you a week filled with restful moments.

Chris.

P.S. Have you ever found rest in an unexpected place like I did in New York? Share your story.