Last updated on October 28th, 2024 at 04:23 pm

The 7 Types of Rest: Essential Advice for Small Business Owners

Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it often comes at the expense of personal well-being. The constant pressure to juggle finances, manage employees, meet customer demands, and stay ahead of the competition can be exhausting. For many small business owners, the concept of “rest” feels like a distant luxury. However, rest is not only necessary but also vital for long-term success and sustainability. What most people don’t realise is that rest isn’t just about getting enough sleep. There are seven types of rest, and each plays a crucial role in restoring balance and energy.

In this blog post, we will explore these seven types of rest and how small business owners can incorporate them into their lives to maintain peak performance, creativity, and well-being.

1. Physical Rest

Rest like a cat – photo of Jack by John Mitchell

The most well-known type of rest, physical rest, is crucial for rejuvenating the body. For small business owners, it’s easy to overlook the toll physical exhaustion can take, especially if you’re constantly on your feet, travelling, or engaging in manual labour. Physical rest can be divided into two categories: passive and active.

• Passive physical rest includes activities like sleeping or taking short naps. Ensuring you get 7–9 hours of quality sleep is fundamental to your overall well-being.
• Active physical rest involves practices like yoga, stretching, or getting a massage. These activities help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

For business owners who often find themselves physically worn out, scheduling regular breaks throughout the day, engaging in stretching exercises, or even setting time aside for a relaxing walk can make a significant difference.

2. Mental Rest

Mental fatigue is a common issue for entrepreneurs. Constantly making decisions, solving problems, and managing tasks can leave your mind feeling overloaded. This type of stress, if unchecked, can lead to poor concentration, forgetfulness, and burnout.

To ensure mental rest, it’s important to disconnect from the constant flow of information. This might involve taking short mental breaks throughout the day, especially during intensive tasks. Set specific times for deep work and take regular intervals to step away from your desk. Additionally, consider keeping a notebook nearby to jot down any nagging thoughts, so they don’t consume unnecessary mental energy.

Another effective way to give your brain a break is through mindfulness or meditation. Even five minutes of deep breathing or guided meditation can help clear mental clutter, allowing you to return to your work with a sharper focus.

3. Sensory Rest

In today’s digital age, we are constantly bombarded by sensory stimuli. Between the glaring computer screens, incessant phone notifications, background office noise, and bright lights, our senses can easily become overwhelmed. For small business owners who rely heavily on technology, this can be a major source of fatigue.

Sensory rest is about reducing the constant influx of stimuli and giving your senses a chance to recover. Start by setting boundaries around technology use. Consider implementing “screen-free” times, such as during meals or the hour before bed. Dim the lights in your workspace when possible, and reduce background noise by using noise-cancelling headphones or opting for quiet environments when working.  You can even schedule times where you look away from the screen and out of a window – this will have the added benefit of helping your eye health.

By paying attention to sensory overload and proactively managing your exposure, you’ll find that you can focus better and experience less fatigue throughout the day.

4. Creative Rest

For small business owners, creativity is essential, whether it’s brainstorming new marketing strategies, developing products, or solving customer problems. However, creativity can’t be forced, and often the most innovative ideas come when you least expect them. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut or struggled with creative block, you may be in need of creative rest.

Creative rest involves allowing your mind to recharge by exposing it to new and inspiring experiences. This could mean taking a walk in nature, visiting an art gallery, listening to music, or even spending time in a beautifully designed space. Essentially, it’s about breaking away from the usual routine and stimulating your imagination through different environments.

Incorporating creative rest into your life can prevent burnout and encourage fresh ideas, helping you approach your business challenges with a renewed perspective.

5. Emotional Rest

Running a small business often involves managing relationships, whether it’s with customers, employees, or business partners. Over time, constantly maintaining a professional demeanour can become emotionally draining, especially when you feel you can’t express your true feelings.

Emotional rest is about being authentic and vulnerable, allowing yourself to express your emotions without fear of judgement. This might involve talking to a trusted friend or mentor about the challenges you’re facing, journaling your thoughts, or seeking professional support if needed.

As a business owner, it’s crucial to establish spaces where you can safely express and process your emotions. This not only improves mental well-being but also strengthens your emotional resilience, making it easier to navigate the ups and downs of business ownership.

6. Social Rest

Business ownership often requires constant networking, meetings, and interactions. While some people thrive on social connections, others may find it draining, particularly if these interactions are not fulfilling. Social rest is about recognising which relationships give you energy and which ones take it away.

To achieve social rest, make time for relationships that nourish and rejuvenate you. Spend time with friends and family who make you feel supported, rather than those who drain your energy. It’s also important to create boundaries around social interactions, especially if you’re an introvert who needs time alone to recharge.

By balancing energising social connections with periods of solitude, you can maintain your social well-being and avoid burnout.

7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest may be the least discussed but is equally vital for those running a small business. It’s about feeling connected to something greater than yourself, whether that’s through religious practice, meditation, or a sense of purpose. Spiritual rest can help provide meaning to your work and life, giving you the strength to persevere during tough times.

For many, spiritual rest involves engaging in practices like prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature. Others might find spiritual rest through volunteering, mentoring, or simply reflecting on their values and aligning their business practices with them.

Taking time for spiritual rest allows you to reconnect with your core beliefs and purpose, offering a deeper sense of fulfilment and peace.

Implementing Rest in a Busy Schedule

For small business owners, it may feel impossible to take time away from the daily grind. However, rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Incorporating these seven types of rest doesn’t mean you have to stop working altogether. Rather, it’s about finding small, intentional ways to recharge throughout the day.

• Start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire schedule to make room for rest. Begin by identifying one area where you’re feeling the most depleted and focus on addressing that type of rest.
• Schedule rest. Just as you schedule meetings or tasks, carve out time for rest. Whether it’s a short walk (for example in a previous job I worked near a river and used to spend 30 minutes walking along the riverbank at lunchtime), a few minutes of meditation, or a quick chat with a friend, these small breaks can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.
• Prioritise self-care. Remember that as a business owner, your most important asset is you. By taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health, you’ll be in a much stronger position to lead your business to success.

Incorporating all seven types of rest into your routine will not only improve your quality of life but also enhance your creativity, productivity, and resilience as a small business owner.