Are you (really) well-rested?
An invitation to reflect (with compassion)
As we’ve been exploring in this 4-part series, rest is vital to our health and well-being. Not just in terms of our physical health but also in terms of our mental/emotional health and thriving! In the first instalment of the series, we explored the 7 forms of rest (physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, spiritual), and broadened our lens on rest. Then in part two, we had an honest look at what we’re up against to (actually) benefit from all the (many) benefits of rest.
In this 3rd installment, I want to invite you to be curious.
Why be curious?!
Well, while there is much that is outside our control (I’m looking at you, systemic oppression), there are some more tangible steps we can take to take rest into our own hands. Your hands.
But your hands (possibly literally) need to know what to do. And the answer to the “what” comes from insight. And insight comes from being curious… are you ready?
Take a Compassionate Rest Audit
Don’t get freaked out by the word audit. Consider it a fancy word for mindful reflection. Because that’s what this really is. An opportunity to mindfully reflect on how you’re (really) doing when it comes to rest.
As you’re going through the questions, please remember…
There is no “right” way to do this. You could simply consider each of the areas (types of rest) below and check in with yourself: Do you feel well-rested in this area (generally speaking)?
If you want to take a deeper dive, consider the reflection questions for each type of rest. As you reflect, consider how you feel at this moment but also how you’ve generally felt over the last week to month (generally speaking).
Be compassionate either way. Explore from the stance of a neutral observer. You’re an anthropologist gathering data. Be curious and non-judgmental. The goal is to learn what is so that you can make an informed choice about the best next steps (for you!).
BONUS: With each question remember we’re just data gathering. As you reflect, notice if what you uncover feels like something you wish to accept or change (we’ll utilize this info in the next instalment) .
Compassionate Rest Audit: reflection questions
Physical Rest
How do you feel about the quantity/ quality of your sleep?
When you wake up, do you generally feel well-rested? How often?
Do you frequently have trouble staying awake during the day-time?
Do you take “rest days” in your physical activity where you engage in less intense or complete rest from physical activity/ exercise?
Do you feel as though you move sufficiently in ways that feel good for your body’s well-being/ energy?
Do you take time for relaxation/ recovery every day (even for a small amount of time)? Does that amount/ frequency feel “right” for you?
How do you physically “recharge?” Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Mental rest
Do you take “brain breaks” (breaks from heavy cognitive/ thinking work) during the day?
Are you generally able to focus/ stay on task/ focus/ concentrate with cognitive tasks?
Do you find yourself getting easily overwhelmed or frustrated?
How do you mentally “recharge?” Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Emotional rest
Do you feel emotionally tapped out/ drained (generally)?
Are there certain people, places, or tasks you engage in that leave you feeling emotionally drained?
How much time do you engage with these people/ places/ tasks?
Does that feel appropriate for you? Or too much?
How do you emotionally “recharge?” Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Sensory rest
Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed in high sensory environments (loud, visually stimulating, intense smells, etc.)?
Do you ever find yourself irritated/ irritable when you’re senses are bombarded?
At times do you find yourself irritated by sensory factors (ex. noise) when you wouldn’t normally be? Has that been more or less frequent lately?
How do you “recharge” your senses? Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Creative rest
Do you ever feel “tapped out” creatively?
Do you struggle with brainstorming or other creative tasks?
Do you enjoy engaging in creative tasks (painting, drawing, writing, music, etc.)?
Has this interest increased or waned significantly of late?
How do you “recharge” creatively? Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Social Rest
Do you enjoy being social (generally)?
What type of social engagements do you find the most fulfilling (ex. One on one/ small groups/ large groups)?
What is your favourite way to engage socially (ex. conversation, shared activities, etc.)?
Do you find your social engagements fulfilling or draining?
Have either of the two above questions shifted recently?
How do you “recharge” your social battery? Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Spiritual Rest
Do you have a greater sense of purpose or meaning?
Do you feel as though an appropriate amount of the activities you engage in day to day reflect that purpose or meaning?
If no - is this something you value?
Do you have a connection to something larger than yourself? If no, is this something that you value?
How do you spiritually “recharge?” Do you know (don’t stress if you don’t, stay tuned for the next article in this series!).
Important reminder: There’s no right or wrong here.
There’s no right or wrong way to rest or amount of rest to take. Each type of rest will prioritize differently in your (unique) life and will likely evolve as you do. Have you noticed this is a trend with all health practices?!
As you sit with these questions what I hope you gained was some insight.
Next week we’ll be diving into what to do with that insight to realistically integrate rest practices into your real life.
Until then, stay curious, compassionate, and courageous.
Onward in thriving,
Gillian
Such great insight! I love engaging and shifting with my own experiences. 🫶🏻