At That Art Party, we’re all about reclaiming rest as a radical act of self-care and liberation, especially as people of color. Rest isn’t just about sleeping and spa days—it’s about restoring your mind, body, and soul so you can thrive, not just survive. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s groundbreaking work on the seven types of rest shows us how to break free from the burnout cycle and embrace a holistic approach to well-being. Let’s dive into her seven essential types of rest and explore how they can transform your life. Can you guess which one is our favorite?

1. Physical Rest: Give Your Body the Love It Deserves

Physical rest can be passive (sleeping, napping) or active (stretching, yoga, massage). Active rest improves circulation, flexibility, and strength—essential for a body that feels ready to conquer the day. Pro tip: Roll out a yoga mat or treat yourself to a massage, and feel your body thank you.

2. Mental Rest: Clear the Mental Clutter

Ever feel like your brain has 1,000 tabs open? That’s a sign you need mental rest. Take mini-breaks during your day to reset or keep a notebook handy for jotting down late-night thoughts. Watch how a few moments of intentional mental rest create space for clarity and calm.

3. Sensory Rest: Hit the Reset Button

Screens, notifications, and noise are overstimulating your senses. Sensory rest means unplugging—close your eyes, dim the lights, and let the quiet envelop you. Your senses will thank you for the breather.

4. Creative Rest: Ignite Your Wonder

Creative rest replenishes your imagination by surrounding yourself with inspiration. Marvel at nature, dive into art, or take a walk outside. At That Art Party, we’re passionate about cultivating creative rest through playful, art-filled experiences that reawaken your sense of awe.

5. Emotional Rest: Let It Out

For those who carry the emotional weight of others, emotional rest is a game-changer. It’s about setting boundaries and being honest with your feelings. Whether it’s saying, “I’m not okay” or giving yourself permission to say “no,” emotional rest restores your peace and resilience.

6. Social Rest: Nurture Your Circle

Social rest involves balancing your relationships. Spend time with people who uplift you and nourish your spirit. And yes, virtual connections can be restorative too—just make them intentional. A heartfelt Zoom chat with your favorite person can work wonders.

7. Spiritual Rest: Connect to Something Bigger

Spiritual rest helps you find purpose and belonging. Whether through meditation, prayer, or community work, this rest type fills you with acceptance and meaning. Feeling grounded in something larger than yourself can be profoundly rejuvenating.

Why Rest Matters More Than Sleep

As Dr. Dalton-Smith says, “Sleep alone cannot restore us to the point where we feel rested.” By identifying which types of rest you’re lacking, you can intentionally restore those areas and reclaim your vitality. Rest isn’t just a health goal; it’s a form of resistance in a culture that glorifies overwork.

How Rest Fuels Creativity at That Art Party

At That Art Party, rest and creativity are intertwined. We design experiences that honor rest as a tool for liberation and imagination. Inspired by Dr. Dalton-Smith’s Creative Rest and the ethos of Rest is Resistance, we craft art-filled rituals to help BIPOC adults combat exhaustion and reconnect with their creative power.

Every workshop, play date, and ritual kit we create invites you to pause, breathe, and make space for joy and self-expression. Because when we rest, we reclaim the energy to imagine new possibilities and build liberated futures.

Rest Is a Birthright—Let’s Embrace It Together

What type of rest will you prioritize today? Whether it’s a quiet moment for yourself, a creative burst, or reconnecting with community, remember: true rest equals restoration.

Join us at That Art Party as we redefine rest as a sacred act of creativity and self-care. Together, we’ll create, heal, and thrive—because when we rest, we rise.

👉 Explore our Creative Ritual Kits to spark your next moment of joy and rest!
👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily doses of inspiration and rest-centered creativity.

Let’s reclaim rest as the foundation of a vibrant, creative life. You’ve earned it. ✨