Overcoming Depletion: The 7 types of rest to fill up your cup

The power of rest. As a mum, who is juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, I know how easy it is to feel guilty about taking time for yourself. As many of you know, I’ve learnt the hard way, that rest is not a luxury - it's a necessity. It's the fuel that keeps us going, and gives us our spark back. I’m not perfect at it, but I now recognise during those times when I’m feeling stressed and not like myself, that it’s a signal to fill up my cup.

Here is a curated list of 7 types of different rest you can incorporate into your week. So, let's explore the power of rest and discover how incorporating different types of rest into your week can make a significant difference in your everyday.

1. Physical Rest: Recharge Your Body

Lack of sleep, always on and on the go, not to mention children deplete our body's energy. Physical rest is crucial for rejuvenating your body. It involves getting enough sleep, taking breaks throughout the day, and engaging in activities that relax and recharge your muscles. Whether it's a power nap, a leisurely walk, or a soothing yoga session, prioritise physical rest to enhance your overall well-being.

• Gentle stretching
• Yin Yoga
• Get a massage
• Acupuncture

2. Mental Rest: Clear Your Mind

Feeling wired? Million things to do? Multiple tabs open? We know the feeling. Just like your computer needs to sometimes switch off, so does your mind. Our minds are constantly bombarded with information and tasks, this leads to mental fatigue. To combat this, practice mental rest by engaging in activities that calm your mind. This could include meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply and focus on the present. Give your mind the break it deserves.

• Use the notes-function on your phone to offload, or use a notepad, so you don't need to carry it all in your mind.
• Create a shutdown ritual to separate work and life. It signals your mind that your workday is done and it allows you to switch off. Try Physiological sighs for 2 minutes to let go of the day.

3. Social Rest: Reconnect with Yourself

Evaluate your relationships with others and yourself. Social rest involves taking a break from social interactions and focusing on yourself. As moms, we are constantly surrounded by others, and it's essential to carve out time for solitude. Use this time to reflect, pursue your hobbies, or simply enjoy your own company. Embrace the peace and quiet that comes with social rest.

• Spend more time with people who give you energy, those who fill your cup. 
• Create boundaries with those who don't.
• If you're an introvert, dedicate time to be by yourself.

4. Sensory Rest: Recharge in tranquility

In today's word it's hard not to be overstimulated. Emotional rest involves acknowledging and addressing your emotions. As moms, we often put others' needs before our own, neglecting our emotional well-being. Take time to connect with your feelings, express them, and seek support when needed. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to recharge emotionally.

• Noisy kids? Use noise-cancelling headphones, it can make the world a difference for the rest of the day.
• Turn off sounds and alerts on your phone. You can still hear your phone when it vibrates, it's a game changer.
• Turn off notifications of all apps 2 hours before bed, to wind down from the day. You can automate this in your phone settings.
• Use blue light glasses OR enable 'night shift' on your phone/computer.
• Turn off brights lights after dinner, instead use soft lights at/below eye height to help your body unwind.

5. Emotional Rest: Nurture Your Soul

This might be needed when you don't feel like you can be authentic; have challenges in your relationships at home or at work.

• Write down your thoughts in a notebook, after the week has passed, honour the thought, and then discard the page.
• Try speaking to a therapist to release, and to give you the tools to manage.

6. Creative Rest: Inspire Your Imagination

Engaging in creative activities can be incredibly restorative.  It involves taking intentional breaks from our work or daily routine to engage in activities that inspire us, anything that feels delicious for the soul.  Allow yourself the freedom to explore your creative side, whether it's through painting, writing, cooking, or any other form of artistic expression. Creative rest replenishes your spirit and ignites your imagination.

• Take in a sunrise or sunset.
• Spending time in nature.
• Engaging with inspiring books, music...
• Exploring new places.

7. Time Rest: Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down

Give yourself permission to slow down and be in the present moment more, without rushing or hustling. Here are some tips on how to create more time to give yourself the time to slow down:

• Practice time-blocking.
• Delegate More.
• Outsource what you can.
• Set boundaries around work & personal time.

Remember, incorporating these different types of rest into your week is not selfish; it's essential for your well-being. By prioritising rest, you'll find yourself more energised, focused, and better equipped to handle the demands of motherhood. So, embrace the power of rest and let it fill up your cup, so that you can do more thriving than surviving.