Rest is not just about sleeping or pausing work. It includes giving your mind, body, and senses the breaks they need. While mental and physical breaks are common, many of us overlook sensory rest, which is crucial in today’s screen-driven world.
Mental rest can mean stepping away from work or study to relax your mind.
Physical rest involves pausing physical activity or taking a nap.
Sensory rest is about letting your eyes, ears, and touch recover, especially if you use phones or laptops extensively.
Sensory breaks are different from mental or physical breaks. For instance, if you stop working but binge-watch TV, your eyes and ears remain overworked. You don’t need to wait until sleep to rest your senses - it can be done while awake too.
How To Practice?
At the end of your work or study day, go to a quiet corner of your home.
For 15 minutes, switch off all lights and close your eyes. You don’t need to listen to guided meditations, music, or observe sensations.
Sit or lie comfortably, relaxing your hands without holding them in specific postures. Avoid strong tastes in your mouth (e.g., from food or drinks consumed just before).
Simply be. There’s nothing to accomplish - no meditation, contemplation, or observation. This time is for your senses to reset to their default state.
Preparation tips:
Use noise-blocking earphones if there’s background noise.
Use an eye mask if there’s light from electronics.
Make these accommodations beforehand so you don’t have to interrupt your break.
Why this helps:
This practice is especially useful if you work or study from home, where there’s little change in setting. Your senses may stay in “work mode” after hours, leading to hyper-alertness or hyper-activity. A sensory break signals that it’s time to wind down.
After this exercise, you can continue other activities like eating, socializing, or watching TV. The difference is your brain and body will transition more smoothly into relaxation, making it easier to unwind and prepare for sleep later.
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