The Seven Types of Rest That Empaths Need

Have you tried sleeping soundly the night before, and yet you woke up the next morning still feeling exhausted and drained? It’s not about your sleep, but about your rest deficits. Rest is more than just a good night’s sleep. Many confuse sleep and rest the same in terms of concept and definition. But, in reality, they are not. Sleep is associated with physical rest, while rest itself is deeper and more relaxed in all aspects. You can have as much sleep as you want, but if you don’t give rest to what you’re draining from, you can only feel exhaustion and defeat. 

Rest deficit is a result of the fast-paced, high-achieving cultured individuals. We’re suffering from a rest deficit because we don’t fully understand the true power of rest.   

Even in Science, rest is still considered as an action. You are doing something for yourself while you are resting. Staying busy is easy, but taking a rest is challenging. 

Empaths are prone to exhaustion and other sponge emotions because of their innate sensitivities and compassion. Even empaths need to rest. 

Here are the seven types of rest that empaths need:

1. Physical Rest

• The first type of rest that empaths need is physical rest. It is meant to release some tension in your body and to soothe your body. Physical rest can be passive and active. Passive physical rest includes getting enough sleep or naps, or just taking a short break from working. Try to relax your muscles and joints. If you are sleep-deprived, please get as much sleep or naps as you need. Active physical rest includes engaging in activities like yoga, having good massage therapy, and stretching.  Always listen to what your physical body is telling you. It knows better when it’s time for you to take physical rest. 

2. Mental Rest

• The second type of rest that empaths need is mental rest. Do you feel like your mind is rusting or lagging? Then, you need to focus on taking a mental rest. A lack of mental rest could lead to a lack of attentiveness, indecisiveness, and disoriented thoughts. Mental rest includes listening to music, meditating, being connected with nature, and just enjoying pure silence. 

3. Emotional Rest

• The third type of rest that empaths need is emotional rest. This rest is all about having the time and space to fully express your suppressed feelings, emotions, and baggage. Emotional rest requires being genuine and authentic about what you truly feel. It is vital in promoting well-balanced mental health, happiness, contentment, and wholeness.  Unload your emotional baggage from time to time. Try journaling your thoughts and feelings, talk to a friend or a loved one, or seek professional help if needed. 

4. Creative Rest

• If you’re a writer or an artist, and you’re experiencing some creative-block, maybe it’s time that you get your creative rest so that your creative juices will get flowing soon. Creative rest is important for those who must solve problems or brainstorm for a new idea. Allow yourself to take in the beauty of the outdoors – hiking, beach-hopping, and being one with nature. Indulge in creative activities like coloring, painting, crafting, and reading. Let the art speak to you. 

5. Social Rest

• If you’re an introvert, you know that being around people for so long is draining. Social rest is vital in filtering your social energies. Try to limit your interactions with social vampires and try to catch up with an old friend whom you’ve missed for so long. This type of rest allows you to reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most. 

6. Sensory Rest

• Bright lights, too much noise, and screen exposure can cause our senses to feel overwhelmed. This can be countered by turning off your devices from time to time. Try to detach and lessen your screen time for at least 30 minutes. Close your eyes for at least twenty seconds if you’re experiencing some eye strain. Social media detox is also a way to give your sensory rest.  

7. Spiritual Rest

• Do you feel that you’ve lost yourself and have no sense of purpose? Maybe it’s time that you get your spiritual rest. The spiritual rest is the ability to connect with a Higher Being, and a Higher Purpose. It surpasses the physical and mental health rest and includes a deep sense of belongingness, love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Try engaging in something greater than yourself – praying, meditating, and listening to worship songs to your daily lifestyle. Find something that gives a purpose and meaning. 

To know more about empaths, and how to have healthy coping mechanisms, here’s Alison Alverson’s book Empath: An Extensive Guide For Developing Your Gift of Intuition to Thrive in Life. You can try her Empath Workbook for more self-care tips and empaths exercises. Her book entitled Emotional Intelligence will help you to know more about your emotions and how your emotional intelligence is related to being an empath.