Permission To Rest (in 7 Different Ways!) - Reflections on Winter Solstice

I’m writing this from my family’s cabin at the Kvitfjell mountains in Norway. The snow lies heavy and the Christmas holiday break is right around the corner. Here in the north, the winter solstice means we’re deep in the darkest day of the year.

I feel like this is a perfect time for slowing down and honoring the natural rhythm of rest. Recently, I learned about the 7 different types of rest, and this opened my eyes to how much more there is to truly recharging than simply taking a nap or watching a tv show. Rest is about more than the absence of activity, it’s really about renewal in every area of our lives.

In this blog post, I wanted to explore these 7 types of rest and I invite you to consider which ones you might need most.

1. Physical Rest

This one might be the most familiar—resting your body. But it’s not just about sleep. Physical rest can be passive (like lying down) or active (like gentle yoga or stretching to release tension). It’s about giving your body what it needs to recover and repair.

2. Mental Rest

Ever feel like your brain is on overdrive? Mental rest comes from quieting the constant stream of thoughts and finding space for clarity. This might mean journaling, meditating, or just giving yourself permission to step away from decision-making for a while.

3. Sensory Rest

In a world of screens, notifications, and bright lights, our senses can easily become overstimulated. Sensory rest is about unplugging—turning down the noise, dimming the lights, and creating a calm environment to reset.

4. Emotional Rest

Emotional rest is the ability to be fully yourself without judgment or pressure. It’s about letting go of the need to perform or please, and surrounding yourself with people who support and nourish you.

5. Social Rest

Not all interactions are equally restful. Social rest is finding balance—spending time with those who uplift you and stepping back from relationships that drain your energy. Sometimes, rest means solitude; other times, it means deeper, more meaningful connections.

6. Creative Rest

Creative rest is about renewing your sense of wonder and inspiration. It’s what you feel when you look at a beautiful sunset, listen to music, or spend time in nature. It’s about stepping away from constant output and soaking in what inspires you.

7. Spiritual Rest

This is the rest that comes from a sense of belonging, purpose, or connection to something greater than yourself. Whether it’s through meditation, spiritual practices, or time spent reflecting, spiritual rest is deeply restorative.

What Type of Rest Do You Need Most Right Now?

As we transition into the holiday season, I invite you to pause and reflect. Which type of rest do you need most? Maybe it’s all of them. Maybe just one resonates today. Either way, rest is an invitation to nurture yourself fully—not just physically, but the other ways of rest too.

If you’re ready to start the new year with intentional rest, I’d love for you to join The Gentle Reset, my upcoming online course. Over eight weeks, we’ll explore gentle yoga, mindfulness, and evidence-based practices to recharge and reset.

I wish you a peaceful solstice and a restorative holiday season 💫