Depleted, frustrated or exhausted? The solution is in HOW you rest.

Chronic exhaustion is an epidemic in today's society.

Our energy reserves are a direct result of and influenced by the types of rest we get. Implementing proper rest has made me a better collaborator, and has contributed to the balance in my life.

I work in the film/tv industry - a high-stress, creatively demanding, and emotionally vibrant environment...and I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for the world.

Rest is essential.

7 types of rest (and examples):

1. PHYSICAL REST
Signals: Your body is tired, you are craving caffeine or sugar to keep you awake.
Action: Passive physical rest - sleep or nap. Active physical rest - engage in a restorative activity such as a yin yoga or get a massage.

2. MENTAL REST
Signals: You are on auto-pilot, have brain fog, or an inability to concentrate.
Action: Unplug. Walk away from the computer, phone, screen and become unavailable for 10 minutes. Take deep breaths, take a walk, or watch the leaves of trees.

3. SENSORY REST
Signals: We live in a world of sensory stimuli. If you have activity in your environment such as dogs barking, kids running, televisions/radios on, phones ringing, microwaves dinging, cabs honking...you get the picture…every one of our senses is stimulated, and it can lead to sensory overload.
Action: Turn off devices, dim the lights, shut the door, get quiet, and bask in the stillness. Ahhhh.

4. CREATIVE REST
Signals: Depleted of ideas, craving inspiration that doesn't exist, seeking answers but getting none.
Action: Disengage from the need in one's own mind. It's counterintuitive, but making space to do nothing always works (non-seeking). Or, read an artistically enriching book or hang out with nature and toss stones into a creek (you get the picture).

5. EMOTIONAL REST
Signals: Feeling as if you are drained and/or are giving too much.
Action: Just be...practice self compassion. Take time for you. Empaths, helpers, care-takers, artists, and collaborators (most humans) are constantly exercising and exhausting emotional band-width. Do less. Discern when to say ‘yes’, notice when you are over-extending. Consistently taking space and time for YOU is key.

6. SOCIAL REST
Signals: You are people-d out.
Action: Spend some time alone. Or, connect with someone who lifts you up, energizes you, and supports your successes. Move away from hanging out with those that trigger feelings of comparison, obligation, or deplete your energy.

7. SPIRITUAL REST
Signals: Purposelessness, dissatisfaction, unconnectedness.
Action: Meditation, gratitude, and nature all serve as spiritual experiences. Volunteering for a worthy cause or gathering with others in community for reflection. Communing with those who have shared beliefs can serve as rest.