This week, I bumped into something that really landed for me — especially as someone who’s constantly creating, coaching, leading, and, well… “on.” My niece, a thriving chiropractor in New York, shared a post with me by Dr. Marcia Schaefer about the 7 types of sleep — which really means the 7 types of rest we all need.

I’ve been sleeping fine. No major issues there. But even with eight hours of sleep, I was still feeling a bit of that worn out state — nothing drastic, just aware. That’s because, as Dr. Schaefer points out, sleep is only one kind of rest. And that stopped me in my tracks.

I had never heard of breaking down rest into very specific and tangible categories. It was super helpful for me AND I have shared it with many clients this week as well… most talk about the daily dance of rest and work.

Here’s the list Dr. Schaefer offered — and I invite you to reflect on which ones are calling to you:

Physical Rest – This one’s obvious: sleeping, napping, or even getting a massage. Your body gets to be still.

Mental Rest – Stepping away from decision-making, emails, and screen time. Just quieting the mind.

Emotional Rest – Safe spaces where you don’t have to perform. You can just be.

Sensory Rest – Less noise, less light, less stimulation. Your senses get a break.

Creative Rest – Time to not create. Just receive — walk in nature, visit a museum, enjoy beauty.

Social Rest – Time away from draining people… or honestly, people in general. Even us extroverts need this.

Spiritual Rest – Connecting back to purpose, faith, or something bigger than yourself. This one’s my home base.

Each of these is an access point to feeling more grounded, more whole, and more alive. And truthfully? I’m working on a few of them myself.

Which one is calling to you this week? Click here to let me know.

Blessings,
Rick