For some people who completed their mocks before Christmas break, break was the prime time to recuperate from the intense stress of exam season - and prepare for the real GCSEs. But what does it mean to truly rest? 

 

Being drained leads to us losing our cognitive function - our mental capacity to problem solve, regulate emotions, notice connections, predict outcomes, make smart decisions and more. What we sometimes get wrong is that sleep and rest are not the same thing. There are 7 types of rest that we need to take care of our brains, so that we can not only feel our best but also present the best version of ourselves to others and on paper. 

 

1. Mental: using brainpower for extended periods of time, causing intense pressure

Use technology to your advantage and ease into breaks - schedule times on your device to know when to break 

Keeping a notepad by the bedside to jot down thoughts that may be nagging your mind (if someone isn’t around for you to vent to) 

2. Spiritual: lacking a “bigger purpose”, not necessarily linked to religion

Finding something that is meaningful to YOU (eg. If helping others is fulfilling, perhaps it may be volunteering) 

3. Emotional: holding back emotions to spare others

Be open to those you trust instead of bottling up emotions

Take time to reflect at the end of each day, so nagging emotions are dealt with and not suppressed

4. Social: failing to differentiate between relationships that revive us and those that exhaust us 

Surround yourself with the right people - no interaction is neutral, so pay attention to the people you are around and notice how you feel after

It’s okay to say no - you need some “me time” too

5. Sensory - surroundings being too stimulating 

Take time off your device (bright light, loud noises, etc) 

Close your eyes and practise deep breathing

6. Creative - having personal hobbies overlapping with school which destroys the element of enjoyment

Fill your environment with things that inspire you (eg. Pictures, colours, quotes) because it’s easier to feel inspired when you have things that you are passionate about around you 

7. Physical - not enough sleep, aching muscles, soreness, etc. 

Getting enough sleep for you (teens often need at least 8 hours) 

Gentle, mindful exercise - moving your body to take care of yourself