It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re bombarded with screens, lights, and loud noises. The purpose of sensory rest is to “decrease the amount of sensory load on your brain,” Wu says. Turning off notifications and taking a break from social media can give your nervous system a chance to recover, Zwarensteyn says. 

Whether you enjoy being alone or having company, your home can offer a place of sensory rest by being clean and organized. “A quiet and comfortable space designated for sleep allows us to leave our mental clutter at the door,” Wu says. Here are some examples of sensory rest:

• Putting your phone away before bedtime
• Setting a time to stop checking work emails
• Spending time alone
• Using noise-canceling headphones
• Choosing furniture and decor with clean lines, smooth surfaces, and calming colors