A physician entrepreneur once said, “I never truly rest. Even on my days off, I find something to do.”
Sound familiar?
For high-achievers, rest can feel like an afterthought, or worse, a waste of time. There’s always another email to check, another task to complete, another project that just can’t wait.
But here’s the truth:
Rest isn’t a reward for hard work. It’s the fuel that makes success possible.
The problem isn’t just that we don’t rest—it’s that we don’t know how to rest.
Most people think rest means doing nothing—lying on the couch, binging Netflix, or sleeping in. And while that might be one form of rest, true restoration goes far beyond sleep.
If you’ve ever woken up after eight hours of sleep and still felt exhausted, you know what I mean.
Because real rest isn’t just about shutting down—it’s about replenishing what’s been drained.
And for physicians, entrepreneurs, and high performers, different types of work require different types of rest.
Let’s talk about the seven types of rest—and why knowing which one you need could be the key to avoiding burnout and unlocking your next breakthrough.
1. Physical Rest: More Than Just Sleep
You’ve heard it before: “Get eight hours of sleep.”
But here’s the thing—physical rest isn’t just about sleep.
It’s also about restorative movement, like stretching, deep breathing, or taking breaks from prolonged sitting.
Think about it: How often do you go straight from patient rounds or back-to-back Zoom meetings to staring at your phone or laptop for hours?
Your body might be still, but that’s not rest.
How to Get It:
- Take a 15-minute midday walk without your phone
- Stretch or do deep breathing exercises between patients or meetings
- Try massage therapy or other bodywork
- Swap passive rest (just lying down) with active rest (gentle movement)
2. Mental Rest: The Cure for a Racing Mind
Ever tried to sleep but your brain won’t shut off?
You’re not alone.
Physicians and entrepreneurs juggle constant decision-making, problem-solving, and mental overload.
And when your brain is always on, it struggles to turn off—even when you want it to.
How to Get It:
- Take breaks between deep work—even five minutes can help
- Brain dump your thoughts onto paper before bed
- Schedule “do-nothing” moments—sit in silence, take a mindful pause
- Set boundaries on work hours (yes, even for “quick check-ins”)
3. Sensory Rest: Detox from Overstimulation
Our world is louder and brighter than ever—and our nervous systems are paying the price.
Between constant notifications, screen time, and background noise, most people don’t realize how overstimulated they are.
If you feel mentally drained even when you haven’t done much “work”, this might be why.
How to Get It:
- Reduce screen time before bed (blue light disrupts sleep)
- Try silent mornings (no phone, TV, or music for the first hour)
- Step outside in nature—no distractions, just fresh air
- Dim lights in the evening to signal your brain it’s time to wind down
4. Creative Rest: Reignite Your Innovation
Ever felt stuck, uninspired, or out of ideas?
You might not be burned out from work, but rather starved of inspiration.
Creative rest isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone who solves problems, thinks critically, or needs fresh ideas (which is everyone in private practice and entrepreneurship).
How to Get It:
- Expose yourself to art, music, or literature outside your industry
- Take a different route on your daily commute or walk
- Engage in hobbies unrelated to work—painting, gardening, playing an instrument
- Surround yourself with creative thinkers who challenge your perspective
5. Emotional Rest: Saying No Without Guilt
Emotional exhaustion doesn’t just come from stress—it comes from unspoken expectations, unprocessed emotions, and people-pleasing.
For physicians and business owners, the pressure to always be available, always perform, and always say yes can be overwhelming.
Emotional rest means having the space to express yourself without fear of judgment.
How to Get It:
- Practice saying “no” without explaining yourself
- Limit interactions with draining people (you know the ones)
- Find a safe space to vent—therapy, journaling, or trusted friends
- Acknowledge your emotions instead of suppressing them
6. Social Rest: Who You Spend Time With Matters
Some relationships drain you. Others restore you.
The key to social rest isn’t being alone—it’s choosing who you spend time with.
If you spend your days giving, listening, and supporting others, you need relationships that pour back into you.
How to Get It:
- Spend time with people who energize you
- Take a break from social obligations that feel like a chore
- Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift you
- Ask for help when you need it (you don’t have to do everything alone)
7. Spiritual Rest: Reconnecting with Purpose
Beyond physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, many people feel a deeper fatigue—a disconnect from their purpose.
Spiritual rest is about realigning with what truly matters.
It’s the kind of rest that grounds you, refuels you, and reminds you why you do what you do.
How to Get It:
- Spend time in prayer or meditation
- Reflect on your “why”—what impact do you want to make?
- Engage in acts of service that bring meaning to your work
- Unplug from distractions and seek stillness
Why Rest Is the Ultimate Productivity Hack
High performers love to push harder, do more, and keep going—but rest isn’t the enemy of success.
It’s the foundation of it.
When you rest the right way:
✔️ Your brain works better
✔️ Your body recovers faster
✔️ You make better decisions
✔️ You avoid burnout before it happens
So if you’re feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep, ask yourself:
What kind of rest do I really need?
Because the difference between struggling to get through the day and thriving in your business and career might not be working harder…
It might just be resting smarter.
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