The Art of Rest: 8 Refreshing Ways to Restore in the New Year
As a solo therapist in private practice, rest is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining the clarity, compassion, and resilience your work demands. Balancing client care with administrative tasks and personal responsibilities can be exhausting, making intentional rest essential for your well-being and professional longevity. As you step into the new year, consider prioritizing rest in all its forms to sustain your energy, nurture your emotional health, and show up fully for both your clients and yourself. This guide offers eight types of rest tailored to help solo practitioners restore balance and thrive.
Physical Rest
Take regular naps.
Schedule breaks during the day to stretch and move.
Create a bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
Enjoy leisurely walks in nature.
Experiment with restorative yoga or gentle stretching.
2. Mental Rest
Practice mindfulness or meditation daily.
Limit screen time and unplug from devices regularly.
Set boundaries for work-related thinking outside of work hours.
Engage in hobbies that require creativity but not excessive mental effort (e.g., drawing, gardening).
Keep a journal to declutter your mind.
3. Emotional Rest
Spend time with supportive, non-demanding loved ones.
Practice saying "no" to commitments that feel overwhelming.
Schedule regular therapy or self-reflection sessions.
Allow yourself to feel emotions without judgment.
Engage in activities that bring joy, like listening to music or watching a favorite movie.
4. Social Rest
Take breaks from social media.
Spend time with people who energize you, not drain you.
Allow yourself quiet evenings alone or with close family.
Seek solitude when needed without guilt.
Decline invitations without overexplaining.
5. Sensory Rest
Dim lights in the evening and reduce loud noises.
Create a calm, clutter-free space at home.
Use noise-canceling headphones when needed.
Spend time in a peaceful, natural setting.
Avoid multitasking to reduce sensory overload.
6. Spiritual Rest
Reflect on your purpose or values through meditation or prayer.
Participate in community or volunteer work.
Read uplifting or inspiring texts.
Spend time in nature to feel connected to something greater.
Practice gratitude daily.
7. Creative Rest
Visit art galleries, listen to music, or read poetry.
Take breaks from solving problems to simply observe beauty.
Write or doodle for fun without expectations.
Try a new creative activity purely for enjoyment.
Keep a journal of inspiring ideas or quotes.
8. Playful Rest
Engage in lighthearted activities like board games or puzzles.
Spend time with pets or children.
Laugh at a comedy show or funny videos.
Try something whimsical like finger painting or karaoke.
Celebrate small wins with playful rewards.
How many of these resonate with you? Would you like to focus on any specific category?
