7 Types of Rest Every Business Owner Needs
Running a business means long days, quick meals, and racing thoughts at midnight. While we all know about getting more sleep, true rest goes beyond catching those extra ZZZs. Understanding the different types of rest can transform how you recharge and run your business.
Physical Rest is about giving your body the chance to truly recover and includes both active and passive rest.
Active: 10-minute stretches between client calls, walking meetings or stand up while you’re on the phone
Passive: aim for 7-8 hours quality sleep (requires 8-9 hours in bed), put your feet up during lunch (even 5 minutes counts 😊)
Mental Rest means taking breaks from cognitive load, planning, and decision-making that fill your business day.
During work hours: write down racing thoughts, set three clear priorities each morning
After hours: digital sunset 30 minutes before bed, try the '5-4-3-2-1' grounding technique when overwhelmed
Sensory Rest involves reducing the strain from screens, noise, and constant stimulation that modern business demands.
At work: reduce screen brightness, use noise-cancelling headphones
Weekends: find a quiet spot in your local park, try a float tank session
Creative Rest is about stepping away from problem-solving and finding inspiration in beauty, nature, and art 🎨
Quick fixes: change your workspace view, put inspiring photos on your desk
Longer options: visit an art gallery, spend time in nature at local bush walks, bedazzle a book
Emotional Rest means creating space where you can be authentic and step away from people-pleasing or performing.
Daily practice: say 'no' to non-essential commitments, schedule buffer time between meetings Weekly: share business challenges with a trusted friend or mentor
Social Rest balances time spent with others (clients, team, networking) with time spent alone or with people who energise you.
Work hours: choose email over calls when you're drained, take solo lunch breaks
Personal time: spend time with people who energise rather than drain you
Spiritual Rest connects you with something bigger than daily tasks, helping you find meaning and purpose in your work.
Morning ritual: 5-minute meditation or gratitude practice
Regular practice: connect with your purpose, volunteer monthly
Remember, rest isn't a reward for finishing your work - it's how you keep your business running at its best. Start small by choosing one type of rest to focus on this week. Even five minutes of intentional rest can make a difference to your energy and clarity.
The most successful business owners aren't the ones who work non-stop. They're the ones who know how to rest strategically and come back stronger.
Which type of rest does your body and business need right now?
How are you achieving your 7 types of rest?
