We talk about rest all the time – but usually, we mean one thing: sleep. Get more sleep. Sleep eight hours. Take a rest day. Recover from your workouts. But what if you’re sleeping well and you’re STILL exhausted?

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re rethinking what rest actually means and talking about the many different ways your body, brain, and nervous system need to recover.

Because sometimes you’re not physically tired – you’re mentally exhausted. Or emotionally drained. Or completely overstimulated from spending all day staring at screens, answering messages, making decisions, and being “on.” And those kinds of exhaustion don’t necessarily need another hour in bed. They may need a different kind of rest.

In this episode, I explore several different forms of rest – including physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, and creative rest – and how you can intentionally build more of them into your everyday life.

You’ll also learn one simple question to start asking when you’re feeling depleted: “What kind of tired am I?” Because rest isn’t the opposite of productivity, progress, or performance. Rest is what makes those things sustainable.

🎧 In this episode we talk about:

• Why sleep isn’t the only form of rest your body needs
• The difference between physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, and creative fatigue
• Why constant stimulation can leave you feeling exhausted even when you’re sleeping well
• How decision-making and mental load contribute to fatigue
• What sensory rest looks like in a world of screens, notifications, and constant noise
• Why emotional rest is especially important for people who are always “on”
• How to recognize relationships and environments that drain your energy
• Why creativity requires periods of rest and space
• Simple ways to incorporate different kinds of rest into your day
• The question you can ask yourself when you’re feeling depleted: What kind of tired am I?

Curious if your rest isn’t adding up enough for you? Take the FREE Nervous System Audit here (it’s only 10 questions!): https://forms.gle/hGtZY7P8X5sAtQe26. Learn the signs and how to help yourself – I’m also here to help!

Check out these other relevant episodes:

• 266. Stop Fixing Yourself: The Science of Playing to Your Strengths 
• 261. You Don’t Need to Earn Rest: The Productivity Lie That’s Keeping You Exhausted
• 255. Your Brain is Addicted to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down
• 253. The Nervous System Audit: How to Know if Stress is Sabotaging Your Life

Do you have nutrition and fitness goals? I’m your coach! 

If you’re tired of feeling scattered, inconsistent, and overwhelmed trying to balance your career and your health, I can help. Inside my 1:1 coaching program, we simplify your training, nutrition, and routines so they actually fit your life – while helping you feel more focused, regulated, and in control. Apply to work with me by clicking here.

#ShredStrong: Our Next Month Starts on Monday, September 7, 2026!

#ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE! 

Keywords: rest, sleep, rest and recovery, different types of rest, nervous system regulation, stress management

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:49 — 32.7MB)

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