#64 The 7 types of rest

Good evening from Cape Town, South Africa.

Earlier this week, I was in the coastal town of Durban and went for an early morning walk along the beach.

It was incredibly peaceful, walking along kilometres of deserted idyllic beach. Along the way, I passed what I believe was a multigenerational family of local tribespeople, stood six-wide, looking out at the sea, gently swaying as they sang traditional songs.

An hour later, as I walked back, I crossed them again, still standing in the same positions, swaying and singing. If they were aware of my presence as I quietly walked past, they did not show it.

I sat down some distance away on the sand and looked out at the sea, reflecting on my lived experiences from the last few days. I could still see the family and felt somewhat comforted and at peace in their presence.

When I looked at their faces, I sensed total peace. They looked well-rested physically, but I felt they were too spiritually and emotionally.

It’s got me thinking about rest and the importance of rest, which goes beyond the physical.

When we have busy periods in life, we tend to sacrifice physical rest. We sleep less, and we lament how tired we are. However, this is typically exacerbated by a shortage of other kinds of rest, because we tend to lose some of our usual daily habits and balance. I am currently on a business trip, which is the perfect environment to directly or indirectly deprioritise balance.

Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician and author of ‘Sacred Rest’ defines seven types of rest that are essential for optimal functioning:

• Physical: Break from physical strain through relaxation, stretching, massage, and sleep.

• Mental: Relief from cognitive demands via mindfulness, meditation, or other calming activities.

• Emotional: Processing emotions, seeking support, and setting boundaries to promote peace and joy.

• Social: Nurturing supportive relationships while distancing from draining interactions.

• Sensory: Limiting sensory stimuli such as noise, screens, or bright lights for a calming effect.

• Creative: Inspiring creativity and imagination through hobbies, art, or daydreaming.

• Spiritual: Finding purpose and connection through practices like prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature.

These seven types of rest encompass a holistic approach to well-being, recognising that true rest goes beyond physical sleep.

Implementation idea

Consider whether you are making time for the different types of rest this week. Recognise that this may require sacrifices and prioritisation, but our future self will thank us for making this effort.

Rest is not a self-indulgent luxury; it is a biological necessity.

Best, Alex Joshi.

On my bedside table:

• Article: Warren Buffet’s annual letter to shareholders: Charlie Munger – The Architect of Berkshire Hathaway (link)

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