Etymology of respite goes to "refrain from action" (as might allow a moment for reflection). No doubt there are many emotions one might experience during such moments, depending on what you are refraining from (scarfing down an endless meal, writing a poem, making passionate love, trying to prove a mathematical theorem, running from a bear [where one might indulge in a risky respite]). Thus, many possible descriptors of respite, many of which might be quite informative.