Fortitude Fridays #26

read time: 6 mins

A few ideas as you head into the weekend.

Today at a Glance:

• Quote: People to surround yourself with.
• Question: Acts of generosity.
• Essay: Is It Worth Being Wise? by Paul Graham
• Tactic: Seven Types of Rest

Quote to Ponder:

Watch for the people whose eyes light up when you talk about your dreams. Those are the people you keep.

-Elizabeth Gilbert

​They will be the ones to offer genuine support and encouragement when you need it the most.

Question to Ask Yourself:

What act of generosity were you once shown that you never forgot, and…

How can you give a similar memory this weekend?

The concept of an unforgettable act of giving is a powerful one, as it highlights the lasting impact that gestures of kindness and generosity can have on our lives. Reflecting on such an experience can inspire us to pay it forward and create similar memories for others.

Think about a time when someone did something incredibly kind for you, big or small. It could be a friend who supported you during a difficult time, a stranger who offered you help when you needed it most, or a family member who made a significant sacrifice for your well-being. This act of giving likely left a profound mark on your heart and memory.

How can you do that for someone else?

Remember that the act of giving is not just about making a positive impact on someone else's life; it can also bring joy and fulfillment to your own life. By giving in a way that reflects the unforgettable act you once experienced, you have the opportunity to create a lasting memory for someone else and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

My Answer: While browsing Barnes & Noble in search of an NCLEX study guide to help me prep for my nursing board exam, I was overcome with exhaustion, stress, and overwhelm. I opened one of the books, and a handwritten note with a five-dollar bill slipped out. The note, written by a nurse, carried encouraging words that I desperately needed at that very moment, reigniting my fire. The note also reminded me to use the $5 make sure I got some water and a snack because it was important to keep my energy up to keep going.

I've continued this tradition for years, placing similar notes and five-dollar bills in various NCLEX study books, hoping to provide another nursing student with the same uplifting boost I received a decade ago.

Essay to Check Out:

​Is It Worth Being Wise? by Paul Graham

This was an interesting essay.

Paul Graham is a programmer, writer, and investor known for co-founding Viaweb, which became Yahoo Store, and for starting Y Combinator, a prominent startup incubator that has helped many big name companies get on the map. In addition he has authored several books and holds a PhD in Computer Science from Harvard, along with a background in painting from RISD and the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence.

His essay explores the difference between wisdom and intelligence, emphasizing wisdom as the capacity for sound decision-making in diverse situations and intelligence as excelling in specific challenges. Graham also observes an increasing divergence between these qualities as knowledge becomes more specialized, potentially necessitating a choice between them.

Furthermore, Graham delves into the question of whether it is worth prioritizing wisdom, particularly in light of the growing discontentment observed in fields requiring intelligence, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing this discontentment.

Key Takeaway: Wisdom and knowledge are becoming increasingly distinct from each other, requiring individuals to prioritize one over the other due to the specialized nature of knowledge and the different skills and traits each quality encompasses.

Tactic to Try: Identifying the Type of Rest You Need

Rest is a fundamental necessity for human well-being, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. When we don’t get the rest we need, it can lead to a range of negative consequences. Firstly, inadequate rest can result in physical exhaustion, making it challenging to perform daily tasks and maintain overall vitality. Mental fatigue can set in, impairing cognitive functions like focus, decision-making, and problem-solving. Emotionally, we may become more irritable and less resilient, impacting our ability to manage stress and maintain healthy relationships.

However, the need for rest isn’t limited to a good night’s sleep.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s concept of the “7 Types of Rest” is a framework that identifies seven distinct ways in which individuals can experience and seek restorative rest. These seven types of rest go beyond the traditional understanding of rest as simply sleep or relaxation. Dr. Dalton-Smith’s framework recognizes that people have different rest needs based on various aspects of their well-being.

The 7 Types of Rest are as follows:

Physical Rest: This type of rest involves giving your body a break from physical exertion and includes activities like sleep, relaxation, and restorative exercises.

Examples: Nurses and healthcare professionals often have physically demanding jobs, requiring them to be on their feet for extended periods. They need physical rest to recover from long shifts. Athletes, on the other hand, require physical rest to allow their bodies to heal and recharge, after intense training or competitions.

Mental Rest: Mental rest is about allowing your mind to unwind, free from stress and constant stimulation.

Examples: Knowledge-based workers, such as software developers or researchers, who engage in complex problem-solving and analytical tasks, need mental rest to prevent cognitive burnout. While students studying for exams benefit from mental rest to maintain focus and prevent information overload.

Sensory Rest: Sensory rest involves reducing exposure to sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or overwhelming environments.

Examples: Musicians and performers who are constantly exposed to loud music and bright stage lights need sensory rest to protect their hearing and reduce sensory overload. In addition, individuals living in noisy urban environments may seek sensory rest by taking breaks in quiet natural settings.

Creative Rest: Creative rest is essential for those who engage in creative work. It involves taking a break from creative tasks to prevent burnout and rejuvenate your creative energy.

Examples: Writers, designers, and artists often require creative rest to prevent creative blocks and maintain fresh perspectives in their work. Anyone engaged in creative hobbies like painting or crafting can benefit from creative rest to stay inspired and innovative.

Emotional Rest: Emotional rest is about managing and regulating your emotions.

Examples: Mental health professionals, like therapists and counselors, need emotional rest to avoid emotional exhaustion when supporting clients. Caregivers looking after family members with chronic illnesses also require emotional rest to prevent burnout and maintain their own emotional well-being.

Social Rest: Social rest involves taking time away from social interactions when needed, allowing you to recharge and reflect on your social connections and responsibilities.

Examples: Salespeople and customer service representatives who have extensive social interactions may need social rest to recharge after continuous engagement with customers. While introverts attending social gatherings may need to seek social rest by taking short breaks during events to recharge their energy.

Spiritual Rest: Spiritual rest is about nurturing your inner self and finding a sense of purpose and meaning.

Examples: Clergy and spiritual leaders need spiritual rest to deepen their connection with their faith and guide others effectively. People on a spiritual journey may require spiritual rest through meditation or contemplation to find purpose and inner peace.

So how does one figure out what type of rest they need?

Dr. Dalton-Smith’s framework emphasizes that these types of rest are interconnected, and individuals may have different rest deficits in one or more areas. Recognizing and addressing these specific rest needs can lead to improved overall well-being, increased productivity, and a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Here's How It Works:

Determining which type of rest you need from the list of the “7 Types of Rest” by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith involves self-awareness and reflection. Here’s how you can identify your specific rest needs:

1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your overall well-being. Consider how you’ve been feeling physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Are you experiencing any signs of exhaustion, stress, or burnout in these areas?
2. Review Your Daily Life: Analyze your daily routine and activities. Which aspects of your life are the most demanding and draining? Are there specific tasks, responsibilities, or environments that consistently leave you feeling depleted?
3. Listen to Your Body and Mind: Pay attention to physical and emotional cues. Are you experiencing physical symptoms of stress or fatigue, such as headaches, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances? Are you frequently irritable, anxious, or emotionally drained?
4. Consider Your Career and Lifestyle: Think about your profession or lifestyle. Different careers and personal circumstances may require different types of rest. For example, a healthcare worker may need more physical rest, while a creative professional may require creative rest.
5. Assess Your Interests and Hobbies: Consider your leisure activities and hobbies. What activities bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment? These activities can provide clues about the types of rest you may need.
6. Keep a Rest Journal: Maintain a journal where you record your daily experiences, energy levels, and any restorative activities you engage in. Over time, patterns may emerge that reveal your rest deficits.
7. Consult with a Professional: If you’re unsure about your rest needs or are experiencing significant stress or burnout, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or therapist. They can provide guidance and help you identify areas where rest is needed.
8. Take Dr. Dalton-Smith’s Rest Quiz: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has developed a “Rest Quiz” on her website that can help individuals identify their primary rest deficits. The quiz asks questions related to your physical, mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors.

Bringing it Home:

Rest needs can vary from person to person and may change over time. It’s essential to prioritize self-care and address specific rest deficits to maintain your overall well-being and prevent burnout. Once you’ve identified your primary rest needs, you can develop a personalized plan to incorporate the necessary types of rest into your daily life.

You can also check out my Youtube Short I made about this back in January here.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a happy weekend! Until next week...

You got this,