Feeling constantly tired and drained even after a full night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Many of us overlook the fact that true rest goes beyond just physical sleep. It’s about giving our mind, body, and soul a chance to fully recharge in different ways.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a respected physician and author, highlights the importance of rest in her book Sacred Rest. She reveals that true rest is more than just getting a good night’s sleep; it involves addressing various aspects of our lives where we may be deficient. By understanding and incorporating seven distinct types of rest, we can combat exhaustion, improve our overall well-being, and live a more fulfilling life. This article explores these seven types of rest and offers therapeutic essential oil blends to support each one, helping you recharge and reset fully.

1. Mental Rest

Mental rest involves giving your mind a break from the constant stream of thoughts, decision-making, and mental exertion. It’s about allowing your brain to relax and recuperate from its daily workload.

Signs You Need Mental Rest:

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
  • Feeling mentally fatigued or overwhelmed.
  • Persistent thoughts or mental chatter, especially at night.
  • Trouble remembering things or making decisions.

Ways to Achieve Mental Rest:

  • Short Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to clear your mind.
  • Mindfulness/Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to calm your thoughts.
  • Brain Dump: Write down all your thoughts and worries to free up mental space.
  • Unplug: Reduce screen time and avoid multitasking.

Therapeutic Essential Oil Blend Recipe for Mental Rest:

  • 5 drops of Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops of Frankincense essential oil
  • 3 drops of Bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
  • Carrier oil (e.g., sweet almond oil or jojoba oil)

Instructions:

  1. In a 10ml roller bottle, combine the essential oils.
  2. Fill the rest of the bottle with the carrier oil.
  3. Shake well to blend.
  4. Apply to temples, wrists, and the back of your neck when you need a mental break.

2. Sensory Rest

Sensory rest is about giving your senses a break from constant stimulation. This includes visual, auditory, and other sensory inputs that can overwhelm and exhaust your senses.

Signs You Need Sensory Rest:

  • Feeling easily irritated or overwhelmed.
  • Sensitivity to light or noise.
  • Difficulty focusing due to sensory overload.
  • Desire to withdraw from sensory stimuli.

Ways to Achieve Sensory Rest:

  • Reduce Screen Time: Limit exposure to screens and digital devices.
  • Quiet Time: Spend time in a quiet environment without background noise.
  • Nature: Spend time in nature to soothe your senses.
  • Silence: Practice moments of silence throughout your day.

Therapeutic Blend Recipe for Sensory Rest:

  • 4 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil
  • 3 drops of Geranium essential oil
  • 3 drops of Patchouli essential oil
  • Carrier oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the essential oils in a diffuser.
  2. Add water as directed by your diffuser’s instructions.
  3. Diffuse in a quiet room to create a calming, sensory-free environment.

3. Creative Rest

Creative rest involves taking a break from generating new ideas and instead absorbing inspiration from the world around you. It’s about letting your mind wander and experience beauty and creativity from external sources.

Signs You Need Creative Rest:

  • Feeling creatively blocked or uninspired.
  • Struggling to come up with new ideas.
  • Feeling drained after creative activities.
  • Lack of motivation to engage in creative pursuits.

Ways to Achieve Creative Rest:

  • Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors and observe the natural beauty.
  • Art & Culture: Visit museums, art galleries, or attend concerts.
  • Music & Literature: Listen to music or read books that inspire you.
  • Relaxation: Allow yourself downtime without the pressure to create.

Therapeutic Blend Recipe for Creative Rest:

  • 5 drops of Rosemary essential oil
  • 4 drops of Lemon essential oil
  • 3 drops of Cypress essential oil
  • 2 drops of Basil essential oil
  • Carrier oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the essential oils in a spray bottle.
  2. Fill the bottle with distilled water.
  3. Shake well before each use.
  4. Mist your workspace or a creative area to foster inspiration and relaxation.

4. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest is about expressing your feelings and emotions freely, without the burden of suppressing them. It’s important for maintaining emotional health and well-being.

Signs You Need Emotional Rest:

  • Feeling emotionally drained or overwhelmed.
  • Difficulty expressing your emotions.
  • Bottling up feelings and experiencing emotional outbursts.
  • Feeling disconnected from your emotions.

Ways to Achieve Emotional Rest:

  • Talk Therapy: Speak with a trusted friend, counselor, or therapist.
  • Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings.
  • Emotional Expression: Engage in activities that allow emotional expression, like art or music.
  • Healthy Boundaries: Set boundaries to protect your emotional well-being.

Therapeutic Blend Recipe for Emotional Rest:

  • 5 drops of Rose essential oil
  • 4 drops of Sandalwood essential oil
  • 3 drops of Jasmine essential oil
  • 2 drops of Neroli essential oil
  • Carrier oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the essential oils in a 10ml roller bottle.
  2. Fill with carrier oil.
  3. Apply to your pulse points and heart area when you need emotional support and balance.

5. Social Rest

Social rest involves taking a break from social interactions that drain you and spending time with people who rejuvenate your energy. It’s also about finding balance in your social life.

Signs You Need Social Rest:

  • Feeling drained after social interactions.
  • Avoiding social events due to exhaustion.
  • Feeling overwhelmed by social obligations.
  • Needing time alone to recharge.

Ways to Achieve Social Rest:

  • Alone Time: Spend time alone to recharge your energy.
  • Positive Relationships: Engage with people who uplift and energize you.
  • Set Boundaries: Limit interactions with people who drain your energy.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than numerous ones.

Therapeutic Blend Recipe for Social Rest:

  • 5 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
  • 4 drops of Lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops of Orange essential oil
  • 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil
  • Carrier oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the essential oils in a roller bottle.
  2. Add carrier oil to fill the bottle.
  3. Apply to your wrists and behind your ears before social interactions to keep your energy balanced.

6. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest involves activities that help you feel connected to a higher purpose or something greater than yourself. It nurtures your inner self and fosters a sense of belonging and peace.

Signs You Need Spiritual Rest:

  • Feeling disconnected or lacking purpose.
  • Searching for deeper meaning in life.
  • Feeling spiritually unfulfilled.
  • Needing a sense of belonging and inner peace.

Ways to Achieve Spiritual Rest:

  • Meditation & Prayer: Engage in meditation or prayer to connect with your spiritual self.
  • Breath-work: Practice breath-work to center and ground yourself.
  • Nature: Spend time in nature to feel connected to the world around you.
  • Community: Participate in a supportive community or group.

Spiritual Rest and Essential Oil Therapeutic Blend Recipe for Spiritual Rest:

  • 4 drops of Frankincense essential oil
  • 3 drops of Sandalwood essential oil (Indian or Hawaiian)
  • 2 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
  • 2 drops of Patchouli essential oil
  • Carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil)

Instructions:

  1. Add essential oils to a diffuser.
  2. Follow your diffuser’s instructions for water.
  3. Diffuse during meditation, yoga, or quiet reflection to enhance spiritual rest and promote a sense of grounding and inner peace.

7. Physical Rest

Physical rest includes both passive rest (sleeping) and active rest (engaging in restorative activities). It’s essential for recharging your body and ensuring optimal physical health.

Signs You Need Physical Rest:

  • Feeling physically tired or exhausted.
  • Muscle tension or soreness.
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep.
  • Lack of energy or motivation to be active.

Ways to Achieve Physical Rest:

  • Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get sufficient sleep each night.
  • Restorative Activities: Engage in yoga, stretching, or gentle exercise.
  • Relaxation: Consider massages or relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension.
  • Active Rest: Incorporate short naps or relaxation breaks throughout the day.

Therapeutic Blend Recipe for Physical Rest:

  • 5 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 4 drops of Peppermint essential oil
  • 3 drops of Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops of Marjoram essential oil
  • Carrier oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the essential oils in a massage oil bottle.
  2. Fill with a carrier oil.
  3. Use for self-massage or have a partner massage your muscles to promote relaxation and recovery.

7 Types of Rest and Essential Oil Blends

Understanding and incorporating these seven types of rest and essential oil blends into your routine can significantly enhance your overall well-being, and ensure you are fully recharging and resetting. Remember, rest is a powerful tool for living your most fulfilling life. Explore these blends and find what works best for you on your journey to better rest and rejuvenation.