The 7 Types of Rest, Part 4 : Find Emotional Rest with Online Therapy Maryland
Could you use some more emotional rest?
In this series about the seven types of rest, we’ve already looked at physical rest, mental rest and sensory rest—three essential ways to nurture and recharge ourselves (check out the earlier blog posts if you need to catch up!). Today, we’re exploring the world of emotional rest. For many, emotional rest is not only necessary; it’s the key to maintaining a balanced and healthy mind, especially in a world where demands on our emotions come from every direction.
So first, let’s take a step back and ask ourselves: what exactly is emotional rest and how is it similar and different from the other types of rest?
What exactly Is emotional rest?
Interested in online therapy Maryland? We’re here to support you as you work toward a balanced emotional life.
If we define emotional rest in a nutshell, it’s the freedom to feel, express, and release emotions without the weight of guilt, shame, or judgment. When you’re emotionally rested, you’re not bottling up emotions or suppressing your feelings. Emotional rest gives us permission to stop putting on a brave face for the world and instead, to be authentically ourselves. This is about engaging with your emotional world in a healthy, sustainable way that doesn’t drain you but instead replenishes you.
So, why is emotional rest so essential, and what are some ways you can start to embrace it in your life? Let’s dive in.
Healthy boundaries are essential for emotional rest.
The emotional load: Major Challenge to emotional rest
Much like the mental load we discussed in our post on mental rest, the emotional load is often invisible but incredibly burdensome. It’s the emotional labor involved in managing relationships, caregiving, and, often, caring for others’ feelings and well-being—sometimes to the detriment of your own. Many people, especially caregivers, parents, or those with demanding jobs, feel this weight acutely. The emotional load can leave us feeling depleted and in need of a true break. Emotional rest, then, becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.
LOW Battery Alert! Signs you Might Need Emotional Rest
Overwhelmed by others’ emotions: If you find yourself frequently taking on the emotions of those around you, emotional rest might be overdue.
Difficulty saying “no”: This can lead to emotional burnout as you push past your limits to meet others’ expectations.
Feeling numb or disconnected: When we don’t have room to process our own emotions, it’s easy to become detached or numb as a protective measure.
Constant people-pleasing: If you feel you must keep everyone around you happy, you’re likely not giving yourself space for emotional rest.
Suppressing emotions to avoid burdening others: Often, people believe they should keep their emotions to themselves so they don’t disrupt or distress others. This is one of the primary causes of emotional exhaustion.
How to give yourself more emotional rest now
Emotional rest doesn’t just mean turning inward; it can also mean sharing your emotions in safe, supportive environments and letting go of judgment. Here are some effective ways to incorporate emotional rest into your life.
1. Establish Boundaries and Practice Saying “No”
Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no” to others; it’s about saying “yes” to your own needs. If you feel stretched too thin or emotionally drained, consider what you can release from your plate. Boundaries empower you to focus on what genuinely matters to you without overextending yourself.
2. Create a Supportive Emotional Space
Whether it’s a friend, partner, therapist, or support group, connecting with others who offer non-judgmental listening is one of the most restorative practices for emotional rest. In a safe space, you can freely express your emotions without fear of judgment. This is where therapy can be immensely helpful. In fact, online therapy in Maryland is a supportive and accessible option for those seeking emotional rest.
3. Allow Yourself to Fully Feel Your Feelings
We often think of certain emotions as “bad” or “unwelcome,” but all emotions serve a purpose. Allow yourself to fully experience your feelings without suppressing them. By acknowledging and experiencing each emotion, you’re giving it room to exist, and in doing so, you’re often able to let it go. If you are having trouble identifying and naming what exactly it is that you are feeling, the How We Feel app is a terrific, free tool that be really helpful for this.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Many of us carry an inner critic that’s far too harsh. Self-compassion is essential for emotional rest. When you make a mistake or face a setback, try speaking to yourself the way you would to a dear friend. Instead of punishing yourself for imperfection, practice grace and kindness. This reduces the internal emotional strain, creating space for emotional rest. For lots of resources about self-compassion practices, please see this earlier blog post on self-compassion that includes many helpful, free resources.
5. Engage in Creative Expression
Creative activities—writing, painting, playing music, dancing, or even cooking—allow you to process emotions in a non-verbal way. Creative expression can be deeply therapeutic and provides an outlet for emotions that words sometimes can’t capture. You don’t have to be “good” at any of these things. It can be wonderful to do things just for the sake of doing them, not for any product or outcome. We’ll get into this more in a future post about creative rest.
Emotional rest with online therapy maryland
For those who feel they are carrying a heavy emotional load, professional support can make a world of difference. Through in-person visits or with online therapy Maryland, you can create a dedicated time and space to explore and understand your emotional landscape without the pressure of daily responsibilities and social expectations.
In therapy, you can safely discuss emotions you may feel unable to express in other areas of life. Licensed therapists provide validation, perspective, and tools to help you let go of emotional burdens and develop strategies to nurture emotional rest.
Therapists can also help you unearth unspoken beliefs and past experiences that may prevent you from fully resting emotionally. You might explore questions like:
What expectations have I internalized about managing others’ emotions?
Why do I feel compelled to suppress my feelings?
How can I learn to recognize and express my emotions in a healthy way?
Therapy offers a roadmap to help you redefine your approach to emotions, and online therapy in Maryland is accessible, flexible, and tailored to your needs. Some people prefer in-person visits so you can choose what works best for you. If you have questions about either, let me know and we can talk about it.
How to start today: Small steps towards more Emotional Rest
Schedule alone time for reflection: Begin with just five or ten minutes a day. Use this time to check in with yourself, acknowledging any emotions that might need your attention. If you’d like a short, guided practice for checking in with yourself, I’ve made a recording of one available in an earlier blog post about checking in with yourself.
Notice how you feel after social interactions: Reflect on how certain interactions make you feel. Recognizing who or what drains you emotionally can be a powerful step in managing your emotional energy.
Experiment with journaling: Journaling is a fantastic way to release pent-up emotions. You might start by simply writing down three feelings you’re experiencing today. You don’t have to worry about using correct grammar, punctuation or even legible handwriting. If you prefer, you can even get rid of the journaling when you are done—throw out the paper or delete the electronic document. Just getting it out can be enough.
Seek support: Reach out to a therapist, friend, or loved one for an open conversation. Expressing yourself openly is one of the most effective forms of emotional rest.
Emotional rest is about embracing your authentic self, allowing emotions to flow, and honoring your need for emotional space. As you begin to prioritize emotional rest, you may find yourself feeling lighter, more connected, and more at ease.
A free consultation For ONline Therapy in Maryland
If you’re feeling ready to start this journey, consider reaching out for a consultation. Online therapy Maryland offers a compassionate space to explore emotional rest. Take the first step toward emotional freedom with the help of a skilled therapist. Emotional rest is within reach, and it’s a gift you can give yourself starting today. I see folks in-person for therapy in College Park, MD and offer online therapy in Maryland. You can explore more information about my services throughout the website. Feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
