The Power of Rest: Insights from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith at XeroCon Nashville

At XeroCon in Nashville, I had the privilege of attending a session led by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, who delivered an eye-opening presentation on the importance of rest.

As a strong advocate for mental health, I found her insights not only profound but also deeply resonant with the challenges we face in today’s fast-paced world. Dr. Dalton-Smith’s message was clear: rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. However, not all rest is created equal.

The seven types of rest

Dr. Dalton-Smith introduced us to seven distinct types of rest, each serving a unique purpose in our overall well-being.

Here’s a breakdown of these types, along with some of the valuable insights I gained from the session:

 1. Physical rest

Physical rest is the most familiar form—resting our bodies after expending physical energy. Dr. Dalton-Smith emphasized that physical rest goes beyond sleep; it includes passive activities like lying down and active forms such as yoga or stretching.

For those of us who push our bodies to the limit, acknowledging the need for physical rest is crucial.

2. Mental rest

We’ve all had those moments when we walk into a room and immediately forget why we’re there. Dr. Dalton-Smith explained that this is a classic sign of a mental rest deficit.

Our brains are constantly bombarded with information, leading to mental fatigue. To counter this, we need intentional mental breaks—moments to pause, breathe, and let our minds rest.

3. Sensory rest

Sensory rest has become more critical in an era where screens, push notifications, and constant noise dominate our environments. Dr. Dalton-Smith highlighted how sensory overload can lead to agitation and irritation, manifesting as road rage. She suggested simple strategies like reducing screen time, silencing notifications, or even traveling with headphones to minimize sensory input.

4. Spiritual rest

Spiritual rest, as Dr. Dalton-Smith described it, is about connecting with something greater than ourselves. This could be through religious practices or simply spending time in nature, appreciating the beauty around us. For many, spiritual rest is about finding peace and purpose in a chaotic world.

5. Creative rest

Creativity can be exhausting, and many of us experience creative rest deficits without realizing it. Dr. Dalton-Smith urged us to surround ourselves with beauty—whether through art, nature, or other forms of inspiration—to rejuvenate our creative spirits. This type of rest is essential for anyone who relies on creativity in their work or personal life.

6. Emotional rest

Emotional rest involves being authentic about our feelings and processing emotions in a healthy way. Dr. Dalton-Smith discussed how many professionals, like flight attendants dealing with difficult passengers, have to maintain a level of emotional professionalism that can be draining. She encouraged us to seek out safe spaces to express our emotions honestly rather than bottling them up.

7. Social rest

In today’s world, social connections are both a source of joy and stress. Dr. Dalton-Smith explained that spending time with people who recharge us rather than those who drain our energy is essential.

In our industry, professional relationships often take precedence; it’s crucial to nurture personal connections that truly support us.

Why this matters

As someone who values mental health, I found Dr. Dalton-Smith’s insights particularly powerful. We often think of rest as merely a physical act, but it’s clear that proper rest encompasses so much more. By understanding and addressing the specific types of rest we need, we can lead more balanced, fulfilling lives.

The next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m so tired,” take a moment to reflect on what kind of tired you are. Is it physical exhaustion? Mental fatigue? Sensory overload? Identifying the root cause of your exhaustion is the first step toward meaningful recovery.

Dr. Dalton-Smith’s message at XeroCon was a timely reminder that rest is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a multifaceted process that requires us to be in tune with our bodies, minds, and spirits.

As we navigate the challenges of our busy lives, let’s remember to honor our need for rest in all its forms.