11 Dec 7 Types of Rest
Recently we made an Instagram post about the amazing effects the float tank had on our DEEP sleep. We were able to track the amount of REST in terms of “awake time”, REM sleep, LIGHT sleep and DEEP sleep on a health tracking device like the OURA ring described as “the most accurate smart ring, tracking sleep, activity, and recovery.” So due to its accuracy we think the readings are something to consider when taking into account the sleep and rest readings we received when it comes to restoration and how we feel ready to face the world. See photo above!
TED MADE US LOOK!
Ever feel like you’ve been sleeping a lot — but still don’t feel rested? Turns out, you may be overlooking other important types of rest that you need more than sleep. 😴
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith explains it’s easy for people to incorrectly confuse rest and sleep, and often that can lead us to feel chronically tired or burned out. “We go through life thinking we’ve rested because we have gotten enough sleep — but in reality, we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need,” she says.
Dalton-Smith shares her 7 key areas of restoration — which include sleeping or napping! — but also focus on other forms to help you feel energized.
For instance, if you often feel irritable, forgetful or have trouble concentrating — you may need more mental rest. If you feel unappreciated, taken advantage of or like you can never say “no” — you may need emotional rest. But that’s not all! Spiritual, social, creative and sensory rest are all important areas to check in on.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cltvvc7u1DE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
When we saw this TED post we couldn’t help but see the similarity to the 8 Dimensions of Wellness we discussed. Using the Dimensions of Wellness build in restorative time for the following areas that help restore us in the following area that need to be taken into consideration: ECOLOGICAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL & FINANCIAL.
Floating at Tao definitely hits mental, emotional and SENSORY rest for sure. That’s a petty good start! Pretty much all rolls off from these rested states into the other areas. However some people may struggle at first to get into the effects of the float. We are so overly stimulated than when the senses are removed we have a hard time releasing and letting go of what is taking up so much space in out mental, emotional and spiritual brains.
So if you are feeling anxious, before anything, turn to sensory perception. What’s that? Recently an Instagram image described the following but The Behavioral Health Partners spelt it out on their blog:
5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique for Anxiety
Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself:
5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. It could be a pen, a spot on the ceiling, anything in your surroundings.
4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. It could be your hair, a pillow, or the ground under your feet.
3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. This could be any external sound. If you can hear your belly rumbling that counts! Focus on things you can hear outside of your body.
2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. Maybe you are in your office and smell pencil, or maybe you are in your bedroom and smell a pillow. If you need to take a brief walk to find a scent you could smell soap in your bathroom, or nature outside.
1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. What does the inside of your mouth taste like—gum, coffee, or the sandwich from lunch?
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx
Do you feel more rested now after steps 1 through 5? Need to help improve sleep? Contact Tao call/text 732-775-1550 of book your Tao appointment online and make it a point to ger regular restorative time in thru massage, sauna and floatation therapy.