If Sleeping Doesn't Reduce Fatigue, Do These 7 Types Of Rest

Illustration of the type of rest to reduce fatigue (Unsplash/Omid Armin)

JAKARTA – The need for quality sleep, ideally 6-7 hours. Although there are some people who feel enough sleep for 5 or 4 hours. But apparently, there are also those who feel that getting enough sleep does not reduce fatigue. That means, it is necessary to try to do a type of rest other than sleep.

Medically, sleep is needed by everyone to rest physically. In a day, the body requires restorative processes that are obtained during sleep. Well, if sleep is not enough to relieve fatigue, what kind of rest can be done? Here's what Sandra Dalton-Smith, MD, recommends.

1. Physical rest

According to Dalton-Smith, physical rest can be by sleeping or spending time relaxing with a relaxed body position, for example rolling on the sofa on the veranda of the house. Sleep Cycle expert Frida Rangtell, Ph.D., says if you don't get enough sleep at night, sleeping during the day has a restorative effect.

Exercises such as yoga, massage therapy, or stretching are also classified as physical rest. So, those who usually sit at work, take time for physical rest with exercise.

2. Mental rest

Mental rest needs to be taken to overcome the 'brain fog'. In the middle of work, suddenly the brain can't be invited to think, so it's time to rest for 10 minutes by taking a short walk, grab a snack, take a deep breath, or use it to take a break.

Dalton-Smith's advice, if you're having a particularly stressful day, it might be a good time to give your mind a break by not opening your device or computer.

3. Sensory rest

Whether you realize it or not, your senses are overwhelmed by a myriad of stimuli throughout the day. Starting from the computer light, the notification noise from the device, the conversation of the person sitting behind you, and other noise that overwhelms the senses.

If left unchecked, according to Dalton-Smith, it can lead to sensory overload syndrome. Then try to turn off the lights, close your eyes for a few minutes to recharge.

4. Creative break

If you work in a creative field, it's important to schedule creative breaks. Creative breaks are needed when feeling creatively drained. Dalton-Smith's advice, try wandering aimlessly. Leave your phone and turn on the music or walk around singing and dancing. Rangtel also suggests that sitting down reading a book or watching a movie can be very inspiring.

5. Emotional break

Saying 'no' according to Dalton-Smith is also a simple way of emotional rest. Try taking breaks in activities that trigger your emotional tension to rise. Emotional rest is necessary because everyone needs space and time to express feelings freely. Emotional breaks also take courage to be authentic, you know.

6. Social break

Other people's expectations of you are often a burden. When things get tough, it's time for a refreshing social break. For example, by making a list of people in your life who you think are very supportive or could be a support system. Also make a list of people you find exhausting, demanding, and exhausting.

Dalton-Smith advises, it's time to spend more time with groups that support your life and less time with groups that tire you out.

7. Spiritual break

This last type of rest is the type of rest that is done to connect beyond the physical and mental and feel acceptance, love, and a deep purpose. To take a spiritual break, try to get involved in something bigger than yourself. Add prayer, meditation, or community engagement to your daily routine.