Resting isn’t as simple as plopping down on the couch with a face full of snacks (though that does sound amazing). While kicking back is a great start, rest is actually more nuanced than just hitting pause. Here’s the secret nobody talks about: there are different types of rest, each catering to a part of you that needs recovery and rejuvenation. Yes, binge-watching your favorite show might work wonders for your brain, but what about your emotions? Your creativity? Your spirit?

Burnout isn’t just about being physically tired; it’s the result of not knowing what kind of rest you actually need. If you’ve felt drained and can’t put your finger on why, stick around. We’re unpacking the seven types of rest your mind, body, and soul are craving (and how to get them).

1. Physical Rest

We’ll start with the obvious one. Physical rest is all about giving your body the downtime it needs to recover. This isn’t just about sleep (although that’s a biggie); it’s also about intentional relaxation and restoring your body’s energy reserves.

Signs You Need It:

  • You’re constantly yawning or feel sluggish no matter how much coffee you’ve had.
  • Your muscles are tense or sore.
  • You wake up just as tired as when you went to bed.

How to Get It:

  • Prioritize quality sleep by sticking to a consistent bedtime. Bonus points for creating a chill, distraction-free sleep environment (yes, that means no scrolling in bed).
  • Try active rest like stretching, yin yoga, or a gentle walk to relax tension without being totally sedentary.
  • Sneak in small physical breaks throughout the day—even a quick stretch or short nap can do wonders.

2. Mental Rest

Ever lay down at night and feel like your brain has 87 tabs open? That’s a classic sign you need mental rest. This type of rest helps your overworked mind quiet all the chatter and regain clarity.

Signs You Need It:

  • You can’t focus and feel mentally “foggy.”
  • You’re forgetful (e.g., walking into a room and immediately forgetting why).
  • You’re constantly replaying conversations or overthinking situations.

How to Get It:

  • Schedule mental breaks. Work in focused chunks (try the Pomodoro Technique) and give yourself permission to step away between tasks.
  • Brain dump before bed: Write down your thoughts, worries, or to-do list items to stop them from bouncing around in your mind.
  • Set aside “no work” downtime, where thinking about your responsibilities is strictly off-limits.

3. Sensory Rest

Between scrolling through social media, working on a computer, and living in a world full of flashing screens and notification dings, it’s no wonder we’re all overstimulated. Sensory rest is about giving your brain a break from constant input.

Signs You Need It:

  • Bright lights, loud noises, or busy environments feel extra overwhelming.
  • You’re easily irritated or distracted.
  • You crave silence or dimly lit spaces to feel at ease.

How to Get It:

  • Unplug periodically. Set rules around when and how often you check your phone or computer. Bonus challenge? Try a screen-free evening once a week.
  • Incorporate quiet moments into your day. Sip your morning coffee in silence or take a device-free walk.
  • Use tools like blue-light-blocking glasses or dim settings on your devices to reduce strain on your eyes.

4. Creative Rest

Creativity isn’t just for artists. If you’ve been problem-solving, brainstorming, or working on tasks that require out-of-the-box thinking, your creativity tank might be running on empty. Creative rest is about finding space to reignite inspiration.

Signs You Need It:

  • You feel stuck, uninspired, or in a creative rut.
  • Problem-solving feels impossibly hard.
  • You’re just “going through the motions” with no spark of excitement.

How to Get It:

  • Spend time outside. Nature has an incredible way of resetting your creative brain (think walks in the park, not doomscrolling in the sun).
  • Seek out inspiring spaces like museums, galleries, or even Pinterest boards filled with colorful ideas.
  • Make time for creative hobbies you genuinely enjoy without turning them into “projects” (this isn’t about perfection or productivity!).
  • Even slowing down to admire a beautiful sunset or listen to a favorite song can offer a mini creative reset.

5. Social Rest

This one’s a little trickier, but worth dissecting. Social rest isn’t about ditching all human interaction; it’s about being aware of the relationships that drain and replenish your energy. Everyone needs time to connect with energizing people while also retreating from overwhelming interactions.

Signs You Need It:

  • You feel emotionally exhausted after social situations.
  • You struggle to set boundaries because you don’t want to upset anyone.
  • You love certain people—but spending time with them can feel a lot.

How to Get It:

  • Evaluate your connections. Spend more time with people who uplift you and less with those who drain your energy.
  • Take “social pauses” when needed. Yes, this includes skipping that one Zoom happy hour or family dinner to save your sanity.
  • Practice saying “no” without guilt. Boundaries protect your energy and make space for meaningful connections.

6. Emotional Rest

Being “on” all the time is exhausting, especially when you feel the need to constantly keep others happy or hide what you’re really feeling. Emotional rest means letting yourself feel without judgment or performance.

Signs You Need It:

  • You’re emotionally drained from always being “the strong one.”
  • You bottle up emotions and avoid opening up to others.
  • Your mood feels increasingly heavy, like a low-grade storm cloud.

How to Get It:

  • Talk to someone you trust (or a therapist) about how you’re really feeling.
  • Give yourself permission to say “I’m not okay” or take a breather when needed.
  • Journal it out. Writing down feelings—even messy, raw ones—is cathartic and validating.
  • Set boundaries around emotional labor. It’s okay to step back from being the go-to problem solver for everyone around you.

7. Spiritual Rest

You don’t need to identify with a specific religion to benefit from spiritual rest. This type of rest is about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself and finding purpose or fulfillment.

Signs You Need It:

  • Life feels hollow or directionless.
  • You’re craving connection, but don’t know what kind.
  • Stress has you questioning your values or what truly matters.

How to Get It:

  • Spend time reflecting on your values, beliefs, or purpose.
  • Practice gratitude by writing down three things you’re thankful for daily.
  • Engage in activities that feel restorative, like meditation, prayer, or volunteering for a cause you care about.
  • Acts of kindness often double as spiritual rest. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or donating to charity, giving back can fill you up in ways you didn’t expect.

If you’ve been waking up feeling just as drained as when you went to bed, it’s time to rethink how you rest. True rejuvenation isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing the right things to recharge every part of yourself.

Start by figuring out which area feels most depleted and experiment with small changes. You might be surprised by how much energy, focus, and joy come flooding back when you give yourself the kind of rest you actually need.