7 Types of Rest

The 7 Types of Rest Every Teacher Needs for a Healthier School Year

As teachers, we understand the importance of rest, but have you ever stopped to consider that rest isn’t just about sleep? In fact, there are 7 different types of rest that we all need to feel truly refreshed and ready to take on each new day in the classroom.

But what happens when you don’t make time for rest? Burnout starts to creep in. You feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and your passion for teaching starts to fade. When your energy reserves are low, it becomes harder to show up fully for your students. You might find yourself running on autopilot, struggling to maintain your usual level of engagement, creativity, and patience. Ignoring the need for rest leads to stress, frustration, and, eventually, burnout.

That’s why making time for rest—in all its forms—is so crucial. When you intentionally incorporate different types of rest into your routine, the benefits are endless:

• Increased energy and focus throughout the day
• More creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Greater emotional resilience to handle the ups and downs of teaching
• A sense of calm and clarity that helps you be more present for your students
• Improved well-being and a renewed love for the work you do

So, what are these 7 types of rest?

• Physical Rest: Resting your body through sleep or relaxing activities like yoga.
• Mental Rest: Giving your mind a break from planning, grading, and multitasking.
• Emotional Rest: Taking time to process your emotions and reduce burnout.
• Social Rest: Spending time away from energy-draining social interactions.
• Spiritual Rest: Connecting with something bigger than yourself to find purpose.
• Sensory Rest: Reducing stimuli like bright screens and noise.
• Creative Rest: Allowing yourself time to daydream, create, and enjoy art.

How to Incorporate More Rest into Your Day

Incorporating these types of rest doesn’t mean overhauling your schedule—it’s about weaving small moments of rest into your daily routine. Here are some simple tips to get you started:

• Start with small breaks: Try setting a timer for every hour or two during the day. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to stretch, breathe, or just close your eyes. Even a short physical rest can work wonders for your energy levels.
• Schedule mental breaks: When you feel overwhelmed, give your brain a moment to pause. Step away from your lesson plans, take a walk, or engage in a non-teaching activity that lets your mind wander.
• Create a joy list: Write down things that bring you joy, and commit to doing one of those things every day—even if it’s just for a few minutes. This could be reading a book, listening to your favorite podcast, or doodling.
• Practice “no” without guilt: Prioritize your emotional rest by setting boundaries. Politely say “no” to tasks that drain you and make time for activities that restore your emotional well-being.
• Unplug and unwind: Sensory overload can be draining, especially in a classroom filled with noise and technology. Try having a “no screen” hour when you get home or unwind in a quiet, low-light environment.
• Incorporate creativity daily: Allow yourself some creative rest by indulging in a hobby like drawing, journaling, or even brainstorming new classroom ideas—without any pressure to produce.
• Reflect and renew: End each day with a short reflection on what brought you joy or peace. Journaling for a few minutes before bed can provide both mental and emotional rest while preparing you for the next day.

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By following these simple strategies, you can begin to integrate more rest into your day, leaving you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. To help you stay on track, I’ve created a free resource that encourages you to focus on a different type of rest each day. Download the freebie here and start giving yourself the care you deserve!