Sacred Rest

Book by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith (2017)

A Christian physician describes seven types of rest we all need (physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual rest) and offers practical tips to restore each one. You can watch Dr. Dalton-Smith’s TED Talk on these topics here. For example, she explains how staring at screens all day can create sensory overload and suggests unplugging periodically. She also notes that constantly caring for others without support can lead to an emotional rest deficit, which safe spaces can help alleviate, allowing you to express your genuine feelings. This book meets readers where they are — tired in every way — and gently shows that true renewal goes beyond just getting eight hours of sleep. The tone is empathetic and non-shaming, coming from a Black woman MD who has experienced burnout herself. It fits the “warm, human, embodied” spirit by acknowledging that being well is about whole-person rhythms (from creativity to community) rather than pushing through fatigue. It’s also very actionable, which can empower someone who feels drained and unsure where to start. You can find more about the book here and more about her work here.