The 7 types of REST for Inner Balance
Ways We Can Rest to Return to Peace, Balance, and Inner Wholeness
The holidays are often filled with joy, connection, and celebration — and they can also leave us feeling deeply tired. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and energetically. Sleep helps, but many of us sense that what we need goes deeper.
In Yoga, there’s a concept called Pratyahara, which simply means turning inward. It’s the practice of gently stepping back from constant stimulation — noise, screens, conversations, expectations — so we can reconnect with ourselves. In today’s world, this might be one of the most important forms of self-care.
Yoga reminds us that rest isn’t passive or lazy. Rest is restorative. It’s how we come back into balance–our natural state (or homeostasis).
The Different Ways We Need Rest
Rest looks different depending on what’s depleted. During the holidays, these forms of rest are especially supportive –
Physical rest — slowing the body, sleeping well, choosing gentle movement
Mental rest — pausing the constant planning and decision-making
Sensory rest — stepping away from screens, noise, and bright stimulation
Emotional rest — allowing yourself to ‘feel’ without fixing or performing
Creative rest — receiving inspiration instead of producing
Spiritual rest — reconnecting with something deeper than your roles
Rest for renewal — quiet reflection, stillness, and space
Yoga & Ayurveda teach us that balance comes from honoring rhythm — movement and stillness, effort and ease. When we allow ourselves to truly rest, we create the conditions for clarity, creativity, and peace to naturally arise.
A Gentle Invitation
This season, instead of pushing through, consider practicing rest as a form of self-care. "
Set small boundaries. Create moments of quiet. Let yourself step back from the noise.
From this place of stillness, something meaningful begins to emerge.
At Poōrna, this return to inner quiet — to wholeness — is where true transformation begins. And we are here to invite you to explore this rhythm more deeply, together.
DISCOVER YOUR ELEMENT
Wondering what’s your DOMINANT DOSHA?
Want to learn more? BOOK A 30 mins CALL –
https://calendly.com/surbhigjoshi
