The 7 Types of Rest: Why Senior Leaders Should Take Notice

The first fire of the season and the dog wastes no time in reserving the best spot. With his tummy to the heat and a retreat position on the sofa once he gets too hot, he’s set for a restful evening. 

I’ve been talking to leaders recently about the need to rest. Yes, sometimes it’s sleep. But often it’s about a different kind of rest, especially when things feel uncertain or demanding.

Why Leaders Should Take Rest Seriously

Rest is a state of “quiet wakefulness” that allows our brains to consolidate learning and memories.  It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), allows us to regulate our emotions better and improves our decision-making.  

Leaders: what’s not to like?!

7 Types of Rest

There are 7 types of rest (other than sleep) according to Saundra Daulton-Smith:

Physical rest

Mental rest

Sensory rest

Creative rest

Emotional rest

Social rest 

Spiritual rest

Where can you find more “quiet wakefulness”?  

It could be as simple as turning off your phone when driving in the car.  

It could mean going for a walk after lunch with someone who makes you laugh. 

It could be thinking about what matters to you. 

So why don’t leaders take sufficient rest? 

1. You’ve never seen it modelled.

If you’ve rarely seen healthy rest in action, how can you practise it yourself?

2. You don’t believe you need it.

Rest is for other people, not for the ones “who can handle it.” 

3. You assume a better “work–life balance” will fix the problem, but sometimes the “life” part is just as demanding. You assume that it is a “time management problem”.

So what can you do now?

If you have 3 minutes…

Do a quick self-audit of the 7 types of rest.  Decide what you could put in place for yourself this week that could make a difference. Think about creating balance: for example, do you need more or less social stimulation in order to rest? Do you need more or less emotional connection with others?

A Final Thought

Rest is one of the most powerful performance tools we have, backed by neuroscience, psychology and common sense.

Leaders who rest, lead better.