Alright readers, since the entire NW of the United States has been on fire for over a week now I've decided to cover the different types of rest in this blog post. 

With everyone helping everyone, whether that be evacuations or hosting evacuees it seemed the most fitting to cover the different types of rest and what that would look like. Helping others can be very stressful and energy draining. It is super important to consider replenishing your energy storage when you start to feel yourself getting low. It is very difficult to help others when you, yourself are not fully functioning.

The 9 Types of Rest:
1. Time Away
2. Permission to not be helpful
3. Something "unproductive"
4. Connection to art and nature
5. Solitude to recharge
6. A break from responsibility
7. Stillness to decompress
8. Safe space
9. Alone time at home

Now, the thing about these types of rest is that they are all very specific to YOU! The only important definition is your own definition and that might look differently from someone else's. Generally speaking, number one is all about being away from the "routine" things in your life, the chance to see new things and take a break from "normal" life. Number two is giving yourself permission to not be involved, if other people in your household are being productive it's the permission you give yourself to not be helpful in every way. Number three is about something you are doing just for you, it can be watching a show, creating some art, playing a game, etc. Number four is all about connection, going to a museum, going on a hike, etc. If you are a person who has a hard time just "sitting still" for a day this might be the best type of rest you can give yourself. Number five is all about being with yourself, maybe that means some meditation or journaling, whatever being with yourself and solitude looks like to you. Number six is a break from all the things you have to do, letting your responsibilities go for a day can be very freeing, a tip for this one to really let go is write down all the responsibilities for the next day so you know you're not missing anything. That way you don't have to keep all those "responsibilities" in your head during your rest day. Number seven is all about stillness, the stillness within and in your environment is very important here, this is another one where meditation or hiking in the stillness can be very restful. Number eight is all about building yourself a safe space, this might mean connecting with people who are going to give you a safe space, it might also mean making that safe space for yourself. And finally, number nine is all about being with yourself, another one where meditation or journaling might really help you take in everything that you are and be at rest and at peace with yourself. 

As always, if you need help deciding what type of rest is for you, what these mean for you or even how to let your stressors go for a day feel free to reach out. A balanced life is all about figuring out how much of each piece of your life works for you. 

Let's talk about being uncomfortable, I'm not talking about the kind of uncomfortable that is telling you there's something wrong. I'm talking about the kind of uncomfortable you feel after making a decision or going down a path. The kind of discomfort that comes with life choices, difficult conversations, endings and new beginnings. 

Now, what does being uncomfortable mean?

It means that there is something you are supposed to pay attention to. There is some lesson or understanding you should have. If you are uncomfortable about something that has happened, ask yourself, "what can I do to make myself comfortable?" Maybe you need to clarify, or ask for what you need, maybe you need to set some clear boundaries, voice an opinion or concern. 

When you are uncomfortable with something there is a lesson to be learned. Did you need to speak up? Take up more space? Ask for what you need? Voice a concern? Set up a boundary? Do your morals and values need to be taken into concern?

When you feel discomfort with a situation ask yourself these questions and really think about the answers. Decide what you need and want from the situation, what is your discomfort teaching you about yourself? Remember, we cannot control what others do or don't do, we can only control how we show up, what we bring to the table and how we advocate our own needs. 

This week I want to encourage you to take a look at a situation that is giving you discomfort and examine the reason behind it. What small step can you take to make yourself more comfortable with the situation? As always, if you need help working through these questions feel free to reach out to me for a coaching session, I would be more than happy to help!