Self-care looks different for everyone and is always evolving. Daily rest and relaxation can reduce stress and anxiety, improve ones mood, decrease blood pressure, improve immune health, improve critical thinking, improve problem-solving skills and provide space for fresh creativity.
Aromatherapy is another form of self-care especially when our emotions feel a bit out of control, or we are too overwhelmed with the challenges of life. Incorporating essential oils in your day helps reduce stress and anxiety, and it gives you a moment to just breathe.
Many people feel ashamed of resting, as if they are not allowed or worthy of taking a break. They may think that taking time off is selfish, irresponsible and excessive. This is a harmful mindset that can lead to extreme fatigue and burnout.
Resting is a crucial activity that requires us to release our worries and expectations. It provides us with a chance to recognize and accept our human nature because we are not robots, which means that we have different needs across various aspects of our lives including physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual.
Major changes in ones personal or professional life can often trigger soul exhaustion. This is a normal reaction that requires us to pause and nourish our soul. We may need to reconnect with our passion and motivation for life and pursue a state of calmness so that we find time to reflect on the things in life that drives us and gives us a reason to get out of bed and provide us with a sense of hope about our future.
Physical Rest – This can be in the form of yoga, pilates, a massage, or sleeping. When one experiences a deficit in physical rest, you might notice body aches and pain.
Emotional Rest – Processing our emotions by taking a break helps us maintain emotional balance and avoid burnout. Emotional exhaustion often feel like one has no power or control over what happens in life. Feeling trapped in a situation, experiencing a lack of energy, poor sleep, depression, poor concentration and motivation can make it difficult to overcome emotional exhaustion. Consider undertaking activities such as spending time alone, talking to a trusted friend, or spending time in nature to avoid this stressed-out state from damaging your health permanently.
Mental rest – “Mindfulness” is the practice of taking a break from the constant mental activity that we face every day. Our world is always connected and demanding, making it difficult to disconnect and allow our minds to relax. Engaging in mindfulness can improve cognitive function, memory and focus, while reducing anxiety and stress levels. It’s a time to turn off your phone, avoid social media or practice meditation.
Social Rest – Humans are wired for connection however socializing can be draining and sometimes taking a break from social interaction is required. Consider spending time alone, walking or hiking, and practicing self-care.
Spiritual Rest – Sometimes, we may feel so tired that our “soul” loses its vitality. We lose the feeling of a deep connection, a sense of belonging, purpose, and acceptance. For those who have a spiritual connection, “soul exhaustion” can feel like a loss of faith.
Creative Rest – Creative rest means taking a break from the constant demands that we face every day. We often feel like we need to be constantly producing and creating, but this can be exhausting. Creative rest can include taking a break from work, pursuing a hobby or engaging in a creative activity and in turn helps us stay inspired and motivated.
Sensory Rest – Sensory rest involves giving one’s senses a break. We require this rest when we overwhelm our senses (sight, sound, taste, touch and smell) with constant stimuli, like spending the whole day on a computer or phone and watching the TV screen.
Stress is not only what happens to us in life, but also how we perceive those events. If you can change your mindset, you can transform your life.
