DYK there are 7 types of rest forms to avoid burnout?

DYK there are 7 types of rest forms to avoid burnout?

Who knew? Here are seven ways to rest your mind and body and prevent burnout.

Stressed businesswoman covering her face with a book sitting at her desk
Stressed businesswoman covering her face with a book sitting at her desk/iStock/Perawit Boonchu

As we close out the first month of 2025, you might be feeling either overwhelmed or relieved, depending on your financial situation and work environment. Some are sailing smoothly into the year, while others are struggling to juggle it all.

Whatever boat you are on, we've found seven types of rest that can help you avoid burnout in 2025.

The first one is a no-brainer – but if you think you can skip it for too long, you're delusional.

1. Physical rest

Aim for seven hours of sleep, practise yoga, and treat yourself to a massage – these are all effective ways to rest your body. Even simple stretching can go a long way in helping your physical recovery.

2. Sensory rest

We touched on this recently in our free self-care practices article. One of the best ways to get sensory rest is by limiting screen time. Take regular breaks from screens, social media, and emails to give your senses a much-needed rest.

3. Mental rest

Give your mind a break by consciously engaging in relaxing activities that allow you to recharge. Take time to disconnect from mental stimulation, helping to stop your mind from running in overdrive.

4. Emotional rest

Cut back on people-pleasing and make time to acknowledge and address your emotions. Engaging in activities that bring calm and relaxation will support your emotional well-being.

5. Spiritual rest

Meditation, prayer, and connecting with nature will help you reconnect with your faith and bring a sense of peace and grounding to your life.

6. Social rest

Surround yourself with people who make you feel good, but also make time to step away from others. Practising solitude can be one of the best kinds of rest. 

7. Creative rest

We love this one because it encompasses many of the other types of rest. Create. Listen to music, paint, draw, doodle, write, go out in nature – do whatever makes you feel creative. 

We encourage you to explore these types of rest, shared by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith in her book 'Sacred Rest'.

Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 – 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

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Image Courtesy of iStock

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