I write this as I’m in my robe with a hundred tabs open in my brain. I had a great night’s rest, but I feel tired. I’m doing three things at once and not really completing any of them. I took a moment to think about what to write this week and thought…I need a break and some rest. I read a great article about rest by Eric Zhou, professor at Harvard, that inspired me to share it with you. So take a deep breath with me, take a moment and read about the 7 different types of rest we all need.

1. Physical rest. When your body feels like it’s on empty, it’s time to physically rest. You can do this through sleep, napping or just sitting down and resting. You could also stretch, walk or do some light yoga. Allowing your body time to physically rest is so important.

2. Mental rest. Ahh our brain. Always working and always on. Sometimes your brain has too many tabs open like mine, and you may feel like you can’t even focus. If you’re dealing with racing thoughts or having trouble focusing, you may be mentally spent. Try writing it down, journaling or even shifting your mental focus onto something light…a good book, puzzle or cheesy show. Try to give yourself a “brain break”.

3. Spiritual rest.  This isn’t just meant through prayer. Sometimes if you’re feeling disconnected, you need a spiritual infusion.  Maybe you need to connect to something greater than yourself through prayer, nature or even volunteer work. Finding your own spiritual rest can help you feel fuller and more whole.

4. Sensory rest. Sometimes your senses can just get burnt out. The lights are too bright, sounds are too loud and maybe the temperature just doesn’t feel right.   For a reset you could try putting a device down, lowering the lights and fighting that balance of peace and silence.

5. Creative rest. People are creative in so many different ways. An artist may paint and musician will play an instrument, but you can be creative in many different ways. You can use that creative side of your brain as a distraction from the other daily tasks that may cause you more stress. Coloring is not just for kids anymore! Grab some crayons and some paper and let your imagination go wild.

6. Emotional rest. I think this is one of the hardest ones. You may play many different roles to many people. You may be a parent, friend, adult, child, and employee. There will be people in your life that will drain you of your energy yet you have an obligation for whatever reason to keep them in your life. This is draining. Sometimes when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to find that emotional rest so maybe you were able to lean on one of the other versions of rest until this one has more space for you to give it the attention it needs. Talking to a trusted friend or an objective therapist is always a great support as well.

7. Social rest. This type centers on balancing encounters that drain you with those that fill your cup. If you’re dreading social interactions or feel lonely despite being in the company of others, you’ll likely benefit from social rest. “Find an opportunity to not say yes to things you habitually say yes to,” Zhou says, “and find ways to prioritize meaningful relationships over superficial ones”.

Even if this feels like an overwhelming task, choose one and try to really prioritize it for a week. Then you could always add another one or shift to an entirely different one. Rest well, my friends.