The 7 Different Types of Rest (And Which One You’re Missing)

You’re tired. All. The. Time.
So you go to bed earlier, sleep in on the weekend, maybe even cancel plans for an early night. But somehow... you still feel exhausted. Sound familiar?

You’re probably not getting the right kind of rest.

Sleep is important, but it’s just one form of physical rest. True, holistic rest goes far beyond your pillow. According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith; physician, researcher, and founder of Restorasis; there are seven different types of rest, and most of us are deficient in more than one.

Let’s explore each type, learn how to recognise if you're depleted, and what you can do to restore your energy, gently, naturally, and without overhauling your life.

1. Physical Rest

What it is:
The kind of rest most people think of first. It includes passive rest like sleep and napping, and active rest like stretching, gentle yoga, massage, or warm baths that help your body recover and relax.

Signs you need it:

• Constant muscle tension or aches
• Exhaustion even after sleep
• Feeling sluggish or heavy

Ways to restore it:

• Go to bed earlier (consistently!)
• Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or essential oils (try our Slumber Soak)
• Stretch or practice restorative yoga
• Take short breaks to lie down and practice breathing deeply during the day

Try this: Add a bath to your evening wind-down 2–3 times per week. Even 20 minutes can help shift your nervous system into rest mode.

2. Mental Rest

What it is:
A break for your brain. Mental rest allows you to pause the constant inner dialogue, overthinking, and mental multitasking that depletes your focus and clarity.

Signs you need it:

• Racing thoughts or trouble concentrating
• Brain fog or forgetfulness
• Struggling to fall asleep due to overthinking

Ways to restore it:

• Take short mental breaks during the day (no screens!)
• Use a notepad or journal to brain-dump thoughts (keep one next to your bed too)
• Create a pre-bed ritual with calming essential oils like lavender, frankincense, or chamomile (found in our Slumber Blend)
• Try mindfulness or meditation, even just for 5 minutes

Tip: If your mind feels “noisy,” try replacing evening scrolling with a quiet candlelit bath or journaling session.

3. Sensory Rest

What it is:
A break from overstimulation. Think lights, screens, background noise, scrolling, multitasking, notifications... the digital overload is real.

Signs you need it:

• Eye strain or sensitivity to light/sound
• Feeling agitated or jumpy
• Difficulty relaxing, even in quiet environments

Ways to restore it:

• Turn off notifications and reduce screen time (especially before bed)
• Sit in silence for a few moments
• Use dim lighting or candles in the evening
• Try a bath with calming scents and no devices, just stillness (our Dream Weaver Milk Bath is perfect)

Mini ritual: Take 15 minutes each day with no phone, no music, no stimulation, just you and your breath.

4. Creative Rest

What it is:
You don’t have to be an artist to feel creatively depleted. If you’re always solving problems, organising schedules, or being “on,” you need time to receive inspiration, not just give it.

Signs you need it:

• Feeling uninspired or stuck
• Struggling to problem-solve or think outside the box
• Burnout from constant creation or decision-making (decision fatigue)

Ways to restore it:

• Spend time in nature. Fresh air, sunshine, grass on bare feet, will do wonders
• Enjoy art, music, or beautiful spaces
• Engage with things that inspire you without the need to produce something
• Create space for daydreaming and wonder

Try this: Add botanicals to your bath and simply watch them float and swirl. The beauty of it is meditative in itself.

5. Emotional Rest

What it is:
Permission to be real. Emotional rest happens when you can express your feelings honestly and be yourself without fear of judgement or the need to “perform.”

Signs you need it:

• People-pleasing burnout
• Feeling like you’re wearing a mask
• Suppressing your emotions or crying in secret

Ways to restore it:

• Talk to a professional or someone you trust
• Journal without censorship
• Let yourself cry or feel your feelings, acknowledge how you're feeling and why
• Use grounding, heart-opening scents like rose, ylang ylang, or chamomile (Our Goddess EO Roller is perfect for this)

Reminder: You don’t have to be “fine” all the time. Rest can mean letting yourself fall apart for a moment. It's healthy and healing.

6. Social Rest

What it is:
A rest from draining social interactions or, conversely, the presence of nourishing connections if you’ve been feeling isolated.

Signs you need it:

• Feeling drained after conversations
• Avoiding messages or plans
• Longing for deeper or more authentic connection

Ways to restore it:

• Limit time with the people who drain you
• Prioritise time with people who uplift you
• Carve out intentional solitude. Learn to be in your own presence
• Try silent self-care time like a bath, walk, or journaling

Try this: Turn a solo bath into a ritual of sacred alone time.

7. Spiritual Rest

What it is:
Rest that reconnects you to something greater. Your values, faith, purpose, or inner knowing. It’s not about religion (though it can be); it’s about feeling aligned, grounded, and seen.

Signs you need it:

• Feeling disconnected or unfulfilled
• Lacking purpose or direction
• Longing for deeper meaning in life

Ways to restore it:

• Practice stillness, prayer, meditation, or gratitude
• Spend time in nature
• Reflect on your values and what brings you peace
• Create rituals that feel sacred, even if they’re simple

Try this: Light a candle, draw a bath or run a warm shower, and set an intention before you step in. That quiet moment can be your spiritual anchor.

What If You Need More Than One?

Most of us do. In fact, modern life rarely lets us meet just one kind of rest need at a time.

Here’s the good news:
You can often support multiple kinds of rest at once. A warm, aromatic bath or shower in the evening can offer physical, sensory, emotional and spiritual rest. A nature walk without your phone could refill your creative and mental tanks.

Start by identifying your top 1–2 rest deficits, and then introduce small, intentional practices that meet them.

Need Rest That Goes Deeper?

At The Wilde Magnolia, our handcrafted bath, body, and aromatherapy rituals are designed to support real rest, the kind your nervous system craves. Every essential oil blend, botanical bath soak, and milk bath is rooted in nature and made to nourish the soul.

Explore Rest Rituals →

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical or mental health condition, especially if pregnant, nursing, or under medical care. The use of essential oils should be approached with care and personal responsibility.