Check out the 7 types of rest for both kids and adults! We all get that we need to juggle work and chill time, handle stress, and kick back. But it often feels like being busy is a badge of honor, as we’re racing around. So, how do we manage to take a breather ourselves and teach our kids about rest too?
You May like: A Relaxation Stories for Kids {Play List}
Below you’ll find 35 ideas and a printable poster to print and pop on your fridge or somewhere easy to see and remind you all to rest!
What is Rest?
Rest is part of a healthy lifestyle for kids and grown ups, if there is work then there should also be rest. They are two parts of the same puzzle. Rest provides an opportunity for the body and mind to recharge just like batteries.
When our batteries are full we are able to do our best, whether that is working, learning, playing, manage daily tasks and other challenges that come our way.
“Rest is not this optional leftover activity. Work and rest are actually partners. They are like different parts of a wave. You can’t have the high without the low. The better you are at resting, the better you will be at working.”
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Why Do we Need to Rest?
Learning how to rest and notice when we need to rest is an important life skill that impacts our physical and mental health.
- Physical recovery: Rest allows the body to repair tissues, muscles, and cells, promoting overall physical health and well-being
- Cognitive function: Adequate rest is crucial for optimal brain function, memory consolidation, and learning
- Emotional well-being: Rest helps regulate emotions, reduce stress, and improve mood
- Immune system: Getting enough rest boosts the immune system, making individuals less susceptible to illnesses
- Overall health: Lack of rest can lead to a range of health issues such as fatigue, irritability, decreased concentration, and even long-term health conditions
The Rest and Relaxation Response
Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga are effective ways to elicit the relaxation response.
The relaxation response is a state of deep rest that changes the physical and emotional responses to stress. It is the counterpart to the stress response, or “fight-or-flight” reaction, and was first described by Dr. Herbert Benson in the 1970s.
When the relaxation response is activated, the heart rate slows, muscles relax, blood pressure decreases, and the levels of stress hormones drop.
These practices can be integrated into daily life to counteract the damaging effects of chronic stress and promote a state of calm and well-being.
What are the 7 Types of Rest for Kids and Grown Ups + 35 Rest Ideas
Sensory Rest
1 – Reduce the Noise – Dim the Lights, turn down the music, turn off the screen, Cover your Eyes and Ears
2 – Use fidget toys or calming sensory objects to help calm the senses – Sensory Balloon Eggs {DIY Stress Balls}
3 – Spend Time in the Quiet – Whether its the bath, shower, a calm corner or quiet space. Find somewhere quiet and spend time in that space.
4 – Spend time in nature or bring nature to you
5 – Calm the body through breathing mindfully – Morning Sunshine Breathing
Mental rest
6 – Read a Book or Listen to a Story – Relax with Bubble Breaths + Free Guided Imagery Track
7 – Try a Mindfulness Activity – Block Breaths for LEGO Loving Kids
8 – Journal or Make a List
9 – Take a Brain Break
10 – Turn off the Phone and Social Media
Emotional Rest
11 – Name your Emotions – What are Emotions? {+ Free Feelings List}
12 – Express your Emotions safely – How to Use a Worry Monster
13 – Talk to Someone you Trust
14 – Practice Self Care – 40 Magical Self Care Ideas for Kids {+ Free Printable List}
15 – Repeat Positive Affirmations – Using Affirmations with Kids
Social Rest
16 – Go on a Solo Date / Spend time Alone
17 – Spend Time Around Positive Supportive People
18 – Spend Time with Animals or in Nature
19 – Say No to Some Social Commitments
20 – Special Time with a Family Member or Friend
Creative Rest
21 – Take Part in a Creative Activity you enjoy (Like baking, drawing, painting or crafts) – 25 Calming Crafts for Kids
22 – Daydream and let your mind wander
23 – Go out and appreciate nature, art, music, food, architecture and the world around us
24 – Try a new a new hobby and get inspired by others
25 – Plan a dream adventure or make a vision board
Spiritual Rest
26 – Practice Gratitude – Square Breathing Gratitude Activity for Kids
27 – Do an Act of Random Kindness – Free Kindness Challenge & Printable {The Kind Crab}
28 – Take part in your go to spiritual practice {meditate, pray, pull an oracle card, follow the moon, take out a crystal). Whatever you might feel drawn to.
29 – Take care of the planet and be in awe of the wonder of nature – Five Calming, Easy Fun Nature Activities.
30 – Get involved with the community and connect with others
Physical Rest {Ideas other than sleep}
31 – Lie Down and take a nap if you need one
32 – Relax Your Muscles – Try my gingerbread man relaxation here – A Relaxation Stories for Kids {Play List}
33 – Give yourself a Massage
34 – Move Gently (Yoga, stretches, swim, dance or walk) – Try out my Dancing Trees a Fun Yoga Game for Busy Bears
35 – Take Deep Breaths {You might like 23 Playful Breathing Activities for Kids}
I hope you enjoyed looking at these ideas for introducing the 7 types of rest into your family activities! Please stop by my Shop and check out my printables HERE >>>>>
