As a healthcare professional, we understand that you may find it very difficult to relax. Working long hours, on your feet all day, only to go home and begin to do what you think is “rest”, but are you really resting?
Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith has determined why many of us, even after a period of relaxation, still feel tired or lacking in energy. Dalton-Smith explained that often many of us get confused with what the variations of rest actually mean. The main question we are asking – so we could be sleeping but we’re not actually resting? That’s right!
Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith has set out a simple 7 step manual of sorts, on the different types of rest and what to do to overcome any deprivations.
Physical Rest
Dr Dalton-Smith explains that “Physical Rest” can be passive or active, basically explaining you can be awake or asleep to take part in this form of rest. Passive resting could be sleeping or napping whilst active resting could be activities such as yoga, stretching and massage therapy, increasing the bodies flexibility and overall circulation. An added benefit, you could become more limber whilst also helping any aches and pains.
Mental Rest
Mental Rest refers to resting of the mind. Enabling activities that clear the mind to better the body. The truth is, just because you’ve had 8 hours of sleep, does not mean they were a restful 8 hours, and you could wake up more tired the next day, than you were before you went to bed. Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith suggests scheduling short breaks, every two hours, throughout your day. This can give you a minute to remember to breathe! Dr Dalton-Smith also suggests keeping a little notepad by your bed, just in case you have any annoying, nagging thoughts that are keeping you up, you can remind yourself of it when you wake.
Sensory Rest
This kind of rest does not only apply to your work life. Many people will use sitting down in front of the TV after work as a method of relaxation. They may also play on their phone, computer, tablet, whatever it may be, it’s not good for you! Dr Dalton-Smith explains that bright lights, computer screens, background noise and multiple conversations – whether in office or over a screen – can make us feel overwhelmed. The solution, close your eyes for a minute throughout the day, multiple times, steer clear from your devices after your workday, sit in the garden, park, balcony (albeit weather depending) give your senses a rest from the everyday! The world today has stimulus everywhere you go, especially in larger cities, which can become overwhelming for our brains. Make your sensory deprivation intentional.
Creative Rest
This type of rest is for the idea’s person. The problem solver. The BIG thinker. Referring back to sensory rest, I implore you to find a patch of grass and sit on it (maybe on a blanket), sink your feet into some sand. Or sea. Ground yourself! How can you be creative or innovative if you aren’t giving your brain a break from your ringing bleeper, cryptic charts, and cafeteria food all within a 40 –80-hour week.
Emotional Rest
This is the big one. Many Healthcare Professional’s find their work to be emotionally rewarding, but also emotionally draining. Dealing with people’s lives, daily, can definitely have its pros and cons. However, you need to look after you, before you can look after others. Looking after your own well-being is especially important. Remember, if you’re not okay, that’s okay! There are ALWAYS avenues of support. We have listed several organisations below, that are there to help, or just have a chat, if you need it. It has been the hardest 18 months for ALL healthcare professionals, remember, we’re here to support you!
Social Rest
This type of rest requires a break from relationships that may emotionally drain us. If you find that you are drained from your emotionally taxing role, differentiate your space. When you are at home, you’re home. Speak briefly about work and allow yourself some emotional freedom. You may also seek to surround yourself with positive people. People that make you feel good about you! Although pretty much all places made for socialisation are opening, the joy of technology is that these interactions can be experienced virtually. Look after you, do what makes you happy and brings you peace.
Spiritual Rest
The final type of rest. Some of you may think this is argle-bargle but do try it. Dr Dalton-Smith refers to this type of rest as connecting beyond the physical and mental, feeling a sense of connection, love, acceptance, or purpose. Or a combination of all. There are many alternatives to spiritual rest. You could take part in prayer, if this isn’t for you, try alternatives. Meditation is another avenue and can encourage clear thinking, reduce stress, control anxiety, promotes emotional health, and enhances self-awareness. The list goes on.
The bottom line is you don’t just rest by sleeping. Many of us struggle with the concept of rest and what it means to us. Truthfully, rest is a very personal thing, and it is important to explore the variations of what can bring you peace and ultimately rest.
How can we help you?
At TFS Healthcare, we’re definitely going to explore some examples by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith and if you give these ago, we would LOVE to hear your feedback! As a healthcare professional you can contact us to discuss latest job opportunities best suited to you and be fully rest assured, we truly care about your well-being and the importance of relaxation! Call us today on: 020 7407 1122 or email: info@tfshealthcare.co.uk.
Helplines
- Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
- SANEline. If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- The Mix. If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
- Nightline. If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
- Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
- C.A.L.L. If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737 (open 24/7) or you can text ‘help’ followed by a question to 81066.
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation
https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/