Beyond Sleep: The Real Meaning of Rest for a Mind, Body, and Soul Reset

I’ve been thinking a lot about rest lately. Not the “crash on the couch with Netflix” kind. Not even the “I’ll just take a nap” kind. I’m talking about the real kind of rest, the kind that reaches all the way into your bones, your nervous system, and your spirit.

For years, when people told me “you need to rest,” I assumed they meant more sleep. And sure, sleep is essential, but here’s the truth: you can go to bed early, take naps, and still wake up feeling like you’re running on fumes. I’m living proof and I bet you are too.

Lately, my days have been full, early mornings, work, and a long commute (an hour and 20 minutes each way). Then on top of that add in the emotional energy of life, work, family, and the constant hum of doing, and I’ve been meeting a whole new level of exhaustion that I didn’t even know existed. It’s the kind of tired that sleep alone truly won't fix.

That’s when it hit me: Rest is not the same as sleep!

The 8 Types of Rest

Author Saundra Dalton-Smith identifies different kinds of rest we all need. They go far beyond the physical:

1. Physical Rest – Sleep, naps, stretching, massage, restorative yoga.

2. Mental Rest – Giving your brain a break from constant problem-solving and decision-making.

3. Sensory Rest – Unplugging from screens, noise, and visual clutter.

4. Creative Rest – Time and space to daydream, imagine, and be inspired.

5. Emotional Rest – Safe spaces to be real and let your guard down.

6. Social Rest – Choosing relationships that restore rather than drain.

7. Spiritual Rest – Connecting to something bigger than yourself, whether that’s prayer, meditation, or time in nature.

8. Nervous System Rest – Activating your body’s “rest and digest” mode through breathing, movement, and mindfulness.

And here’s the kicker? if one type of rest is missing, it can leave us feeling drained no matter how much we sleep.

Real Rest in Action

Here are some practices I’m exploring and maybe you’ll try them with me:

1. Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)

This is like a guided meditation nap for your brain. Yoga Nidra, body scans, and certain hypnosis audios can drop you into a deep, restorative state without falling asleep. Just 10–30 minutes can reset your mind and body.

2. Breathing for Your Nervous System

The 4-7-8 breath is my go-to: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. It slows your heart rate and tells your body you’re safe.

3. Humming or Chanting

Yes, really. The vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps calm anxiety and balance your mood. Bonus: no special equipment required.

4. Sensory Breaks

Close your eyes. Sit in silence. Step outside without your phone. Give your senses a moment of peace.

5. Intentional Rituals

Take a bath with no distractions. Put your feet in warm water. Stretch while listening to calming music or sound bowls. Make it deliberate — no multitasking allowed.

6. Emotional Check-Ins

Find a trusted friend, journal, or voice note to yourself. Sometimes rest is simply not holding everything in anymore.

Why This Matters

We live in a culture that worships productivity but treats rest like a luxury. The truth? Rest is fuel. It’s a radical act of self-preservation — one that lets us keep showing up for our families, our work, and ourselves without burning out.

I’m realizing that proper rest is a practice, not just a pause. And the more I honour all these different types of rest, the more energy and clarity I have to offer the world — and to offer me.

So here’s your invitation: this week, try one small, intentional act of rest each day. Not just sleep — rest.

Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.

Cheers,

Coach Jo 🩷