Millennials are often labelled as the burnout generation.

We are constantly juggling multiple roles, responsibilities, and expectations in our personal and professional lives. 

We are also facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties in the world, such as this perpetual pandemic, a scorching climate crisis (read global boiling), social unrest, and economic instability.

So it comes as no surprise that while millennials are known for their resilience, creativity, and adaptability, we are also prone to exhaustion, stress, and anxiety. 

We often neglect our own well-being and push ourselves beyond our limits in the name of being a ‘boss-chick’ and keeping up with the hustle. 

I go hard for me and mine, but listen….. this hustle culture would have you thinking that rest is a luxury, a weakness, or a waste of time. 

We often equate rest with sleep or going on vacation and honestly sis, I have had times when I actually felt guilty or unproductive when I had to take a break.

However, rest is not only essential for our physical health, but also for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. 

Rest is not a passive or selfish act, but an active and intentional one. It is also not a one-size-fits-all concept, but a personalized and holistic one. 

It’s time for us to realise that rest is not a sign of failure, but a source of success.

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith¹, an internal medicine physician and the author of Sacred Rest², there are seven types of rest that every person needs: physical, mental, sensory, creative, social, emotional, and spiritual. Each type focuses on a different aspect of our lives and requires unique activities to help reduce the rest deficit.

In this blog post, we will explore three types of rest that are especially relevant for millennials and how they can practice them in their daily lives.

1. Mental Rest

Mental rest is the rest from the cognitive activities that fatigue us.

It involves giving our minds a break from thinking, analyzing, problem-solving, or decision-making.

It also involves clearing our minds from worries, doubts, or negative thoughts that keep us awake at night or distract us during the day.

Some ways to practice mental rest are:

• Taking short breaks every two hours throughout the workday to relax, meditate, or breathe deeply.

• Write down any nagging thoughts or unfinished tasks on a notepad or an app before going to bed or starting the day.  I created a Joy Journal that is perfect for this, you can get it on Amazon and use it to support your mental rest practice

• Practising thought diffusion³, – this is a technique to create distance between thoughts and emotions by observing them as they flow in and out without judging or holding on to them.  I recently started doing this when I was about to fall asleep.  
  • I lay in my bed and play the day back in my head.  Instead of fretting about things that went wrong, I create an ‘alternate ending’ where everything went well. For example, if I got to work late and was stuck in traffic that morning, I see myself getting to work early, I see the road clear of traffic, I see myself having coffee, getting yummy breakfast and everything going my way. 
  • It feels so good falling asleep with those thoughts instead of worrying that I might oversleep and repeat the same things the next day.  
  • You can apply this to any unfortunate condition that happens during the day, for example, a quarrel with your loved ones.  As you do this you train your brain to respond in a positive manner to whatever adversity surfaces during the day.

• You can also try reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a show that is entertaining, inspiring, or educational.

2. Creative Rest

 Creative rest is the rest from the creative activities that drain us.

It involves reawakening the awe and wonder inside us by appreciating the beauty and diversity of nature and art. It also involves expressing our own creativity in ways that are meaningful and enjoyable for us.

Some ways to practice creative rest are:

• Spending time outdoors in natural settings such as parks, gardens, forests, or beaches.

• Visiting museums, galleries, theatres, or concerts that showcase different forms of art such as paintings, sculptures, music, or dance.

• Engaging in hobbies or projects that allow us to use our imagination and skills such as drawing, writing, cooking, or gardening.

Learning something new or challenging ourselves to try something different or unfamiliar such as a language, an instrument, or a sport.

3. Social rest. 

Social rest is the rest from the social activities that deplete us.

It involves being selective and intentional about who we spend our time and energy with. It also involves seeking out and cultivating relationships that are supportive, respectful, and positive for us.

Some ways to practice social rest are:

• Setting boundaries and saying no to people or situations that are disrespectful, dishonest, or abusive towards us.

• Asking for help and support from people who care about us and understand us when we need it.

• Expressing gratitude and appreciation to people who have helped us or inspired us in any way.

• Joining communities or groups that share similar goals, interests, or experiences as us.

Rest is not only beneficial for our health and happiness but also for our productivity and performance. By practicing these types of rest regularly and consistently we can stay grounded and healthy as millennials in this fast-paced and ever-changing world.

If you want to learn more about how to embrace rest as a way to stay grounded and healthy as a millennial you can listen to the 5 Years to 40 Podcast⁴. I share personal stories, insights and tips on how to navigate life as a millennial woman in today’s world. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

I hope this blog post was helpful and inspiring for you. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!