April Letter 2025

On embracing new beginnings and the seven different types of rest

Photo by Ilse on Unsplash

Spring has definitely sprung and I find myself with lots I want to unpack. Personally speaking, I have been released from three heavy loads. And sometimes you don’t realise how much you’re carrying until it’s removed.

First, we were offered the school place we moved counties for, so that was a huge relief. Second, the sale of our Brighton home completed. So all worries about that are gone, but also no turning back! Finally, the barn which I’d been renting from the toxic landlord, will, by the time you are reading this, be officially checked-out of, inventory done, and no-doubt deposit debited for a speck of dust found on the landing. But I no longer care. We’ve moved on (to a lovelier rental) and he is not worth another second of disruption to my peace. Mobile already blocked. Email soon to be junked.

In truth it has been a huge learning for me on why I allowed him to impact my wellbeing so severely. To be kind to myself, in summary, I believe it was because his unpredictable irascibility permeated what was supposed to be ‘my home’ prompting an extreme vulnerability as it was made crystal clear that this was a temporary loan of a home that was firmly within someone else’s kingdom.

But renting has been an exception for me in order to facilitate a speedy move. I will never take home ownership for granted again. Yet approximately 37% of the UK population currently rent, and many of the regulations around renting definitely need to be re-examined. Even a quick poll of my friends uncovered enough nightmarish stories to give me pause. I will write up my do’s/don’ts of renting and what to watch out for, later this month. Rule number one: Never rent a property where the landlord lives next door.

But onwards to better things. In all ways!

I read a comment recently about there being seven different types of rest. From my place of exhaustion, this intrigued me. Surely rest was doing nothing, or sleeping? Well, not according to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith who introduced the idea of seven types of rest in her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. She argues that true rest must involve many different areas of life.

Her seven types are as follows: Physical rest; Mental rest; Sensory rest; Creative rest; Emotional rest; Social rest; Spiritual rest.

It’s a really holistic way to think about rest which I loved. So let’s dive in a little deeper because as we broach a new season it’s important to maintain balance. I’ve also inserted a few links to other posts which add depth to the ideas.

1. Physical Rest aka Restoring the Body’s Energy

Physical rest is about giving your body the time and space it needs to recover from exertion. This can be passive, like sleeping and napping, or active, like stretching, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. Without proper physical rest, you may experience muscle tension, chronic fatigue, or even difficulty concentrating.

How to integrate:

• Prioritise quality sleep (consistent bedtime, dark room, no screens before bed).

• Try restorative movement like stretching, yoga, or deep breathing.

• Get a massage or use a foam roller to release tension.

• Alternate workouts with gentle movement (like walking or tai chi).

2. Mental Rest aka Quieting the Mind

Mental rest is crucial for those who feel like their brain is always “on.” If you struggle to fall asleep due to racing thoughts or find it hard to focus, you might need more mental rest. This type of rest allows your mind to slow down and reset, reducing cognitive overload and improving clarity.

How to integrate:

• Take short breaks during deep work.

• Keep a “brain dump” journal to offload thoughts before bed.

• Practice mindfulness or guided meditation.

• Avoid multitasking—focus on one thing at a time.

3. Sensory Rest aka Reducing Overstimulation

In today’s world, our senses are constantly bombarded by screens, bright lights, noise, and digital notifications. Sensory rest helps counteract this overstimulation, preventing burnout and mental fatigue. It allows your nervous system to reset and regain balance.

How to integrate:

• Reduce screen time (use blue light filters, take tech breaks).

• Turn down your lighting at home in the evening.

• Use noise-canceling headphones if you have them, or listen to calming sounds.

• Unplug for a few hours before bed.

4. Creative Rest aka Replenishing Inspiration

Creative rest is essential for anyone who solves problems, thinks innovatively, or creates in any form. If you feel stuck in a rut or uninspired, you may need creative rest. This type of rest isn’t about stopping creativity but rather about exposing yourself to new sources of inspiration.

How to integrate:

• Spend time in nature—walk in a park, watch the sunset.

• Create without pressure (sketch, write, dance, play an instrument).

• Change your workspace to add beauty (plants, art, better lighting).

• Engage in playful activities (puzzles, games, brainstorming).

5. Emotional Rest aka Releasing Suppressed Feelings

Emotional rest means having the freedom to be authentic and express your feelings without fear of judgment or rejection. If you constantly suppress your emotions or feel drained from people-pleasing, you may be emotionally exhausted and need more emotional rest.

How to integrate:

• Be honest about your feelings instead of bottling them up.

• Have open conversations with people who support you.

• Set boundaries with people who drain you.

• Seek therapy or coaching if needed, or write in a journal to process emotions

6. Social Rest aka Finding the Right Social Balance

Social rest isn’t about isolation but about balancing your interactions to avoid exhaustion. It’s recognizing which relationships deplete your energy and which ones replenish it. If you often feel drained after social events, you may need social rest.

How to integrate:

• Spend time with people who energize and uplift you.

• Take breaks from social media and social obligations.

• Decline invitations that feel like obligations rather than joys.

• Prioritise meaningful one-on-one conversations over superficial socialising.

7. Spiritual Rest aka Connecting to a Deeper Purpose

Spiritual rest is about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself. This could be through faith, meditation, community service, or personal reflection. If you feel disconnected, purposeless, or unfulfilled, you may need more spiritual rest.

How to integrate:

• Start a meditation practice, or prayer ritual.

• Engage in acts of service (volunteering, helping others).

• Practice gratitude daily.

• Make time to reflect on your life’s purpose and values.

Conclusion

It’s clearly beneficial to try to incorporate different types of rest into our lives. I for one had focused mostly on sleep, but I see now that mental and emotional rest are my weak spots. This is where I need to focus. I’ll let you know how I get on! Which are your weakest links??

What else this month?

I’m not actually sure yet! I think there’s a few pieces I need to carry over from last month (on correlation vs causation, and a muse on discipline that I really want to share.) But also, let’s see what comes up. I’ve got a feeling to do a post on proper budget hacks for the home, and I have a lot of talks planned for the beginning of April, kicking off at the Ideal Home Show on 3 April (see my Instagram for details; and use given link to access £10 any day tickets), then onto the Canterbury Festival on the 6th and In Conversation with the brilliant Sue Timney at the Wallacea in London on the 8th. So I’m sure these will provoke some thoughts!