The 7 Types of Rest: Finding True Renewal in God’s Presence
The 7 Types of Rest for Your Well-being
In today’s world, we often equate rest with sleep or a short break, but true rest is much deeper. God designed us for rhythms of rest—not just physical rest but emotional, mental, and spiritual renewal. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The beautiful truth of the Gospel is that we don’t have to work for our worth—we are already deeply loved, valued, and cherished by God. Instead of constantly striving, we are called to work from a place of worth, not for it.
Let’s explore the seven types of rest we need for true renewal and how we can find them in God’s presence.
1. Physical Rest – Honoring Our Bodies
Scripture: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:8
Physical rest includes both passive and active rest—sleep, naps, and restorative activities like stretching or deep breathing. Many of us push our bodies beyond their limits, believing that rest is lazy, but even Jesus took time away to rest (Mark 6:31).
Ways to Incorporate:
Prioritize consistent, quality sleep.
Take a Sabbath day free from work.
Engage in gentle movement (walking, stretching).
2. Mental Rest – Renewing Our Minds
Scripture: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Mental exhaustion happens when our minds are constantly racing with worries, decisions, and distractions. True mental rest requires slowing down and giving our thoughts over to God. We lay aside our unhelpful thoughts to focus on what it true and good (Phil 4:8).
Ways to Incorporate:
Limit screen time and social media.
Create space for your brain to relax.
Spend quiet time in God’s Word.
Practice breath prayers (e.g., “Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10).
3. Emotional Rest – Laying Our Burdens Down
Scripture: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Carrying emotional burdens alone is exhausting. God calls us to bring our emotions to Him rather than suppressing them or carrying them alone.
Ways to Incorporate:
Journal thoughts, emotions, or prayers of surrender.
Seek out a friend or supportive person to process feelings without pressure or judgment.
Meditate on God’s unchanging love and acceptance.
Plan a coffee or breakfast date to connect with a friend.
4. Social Rest – Finding Life-Giving Relationships
Scripture: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Not all relationships are restful—some drain us while others refresh and uplift. Social rest means spending time with life-giving people who encourage our faith.
Ways to Incorporate:
Set healthy boundaries with draining relationships.
Spend time with faith-filled friends.
Engage in meaningful conversations about God’s goodness.
Plan intentional time with people who nourish your heart and soul rather than pull from your reserves.
5. Creative Rest – Restoring Inspiration
Scripture: “In the beginning, God created…” – Genesis 1:1
God is the ultimate Creator, and He has placed creativity in us as well. Creative rest isn’t about producing—it’s about enjoying beauty and inspiration without pressure.
Ways to Incorporate:
Spend time in nature and admire God’s creation.
Listen to worship music or poetry.
Engage in a hobby for joy, not productivity.
Do an activity that sparks imagination or problem solving.
6. Sensory Rest – Quieting the Noise
Scripture: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7
We live in a world of constant noise—notifications, screens, and endless distractions. Sensory overload can lead to anxiety and exhaustion. God calls us to moments of stillness and silence.
Ways to Incorporate:
Take a break from screens daily.
Reduce exposure to overwhelming stimuli like bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, uncomfy textures or fabrics.
Create quiet, tech-free moments to just be with God.
Enjoy soft worship music or silence in prayer.
7. Spiritual Rest – Resting in God’s Presence
Scripture: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14
Spiritual rest is the deepest kind of rest—it’s trusting that God is in control. When we stop striving to prove ourselves and rest in His love, we find peace beyond understanding.
Ways to Incorporate:
Spend time in prayer worship connecting with God.
Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life.
Release control, trusting that His plans are good.
Connect with others about what God is doing in your life.
Embracing Rest as a Gift, Not a Luxury
Rest isn’t something we have to earn—it’s a gift from God. When we rest in Him, we remind our hearts that we don’t have to fight for our worth—we are already loved, chosen, and redeemed.
“It is finished.” – John 19:30
Jesus has already done the work. We are free to rest in His grace!
You are deeply loved, worthy of rest, and you don’t have to do this alone.
Are You Highly Sensitive?
Is it difficult for you to find space and margin to rest?
You might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). You can learn more about HSP here.
Consider what area in your life you want to priortize rest in.
Like I always say, start with ONE area and then build out from there.
It’s impossible to priortize everything at once.
Small steps of growth go a long way towards building sustainable habits for your mental health and well-being!
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Get our daily self-care checklist or Bible Reading Plan HERE.
