Oh, hey! How are you, sis? I was just waking up from a nap and I saw you there behind my phone. Hm? What? No I wasn't working, I was resting. You should get more rest.
Sis, a survey from US News & World Report says that 60% of adults experienced negative impacts from inadequate sleep, with 70% stating that poor sleep quality hurt their general work productivity. This highlights the direct correlation between quality rest and effective work performance.
It's amazing to think we’ve been taught that if we aren’t working hard, we aren’t doing enough. The world loves to remind us that productivity is king and that the only way to achieve success is through constant hustle. But here's the truth: sacred rest isn’t laziness. It’s a necessity, especially for Black women, who often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
It’s time we redefine rest.
No more guilt. No more feeling like we have to prove our worth by staying busy. Rest is part of the process—and it’s time we start treating it that way.
The Pressure to Always Be On
As Black women, we are no strangers to the expectations placed upon us. Whether it's at work, at home, or in the community, we're constantly called to show up and give, often leaving little room for ourselves. We juggle multiple roles and, most of the time, carry the emotional labor of others without even realizing it.
But somewhere along the way, we internalized this idea that if we’re not constantly going, we’re failing. The idea of slowing down can feel like a luxury—something we don’t have time for, something we don’t deserve. But rest isn’t a reward you earn—it’s a right you claim.
The Truth About Sacred Rest
Sacred rest is the act of restoring your body and soul, not just taking a nap or binge-watching a series. It’s about giving yourself the permission to pause without the guilt of feeling unproductive. Rest is a radical act of self-care that restores your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
I know, it sounds almost too simple, right? But that’s the beauty of it. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we have to earn rest or that it’s an indulgence, but rest is essential for our survival. Without it..
We run on empty.
We lose touch with our joy.
We forget the magic that’s in us.
Sacred rest is not about doing nothing; it’s about being—just being.
Reclaiming Rest: A Radical Act for Black Women
Now, I know what you're thinking—“But how do I rest when there’s so much to do?” I get it. But the truth is, you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you keep giving and never refill yourself, you’ll burn out—and that burnout affects not just you, but those around you.
Sacred rest allows you to show up as your best self—not only for others but also for you. It’s about honoring your body and your needs. Rest gives you the clarity and energy you need to be the woman you were always meant to be.
Why Black Women Especially Need Sacred Rest
Historically, Black women have been overlooked, overburdened, and underappreciated. We’ve had to work harder, prove more, and endure without much recognition. The weight of invisibility is real, and we often push ourselves to the limit to be seen, to be heard, to be acknowledged. But this hustle culture doesn’t serve us.
Sacred rest allows us to reclaim our peace. It’s not about stepping back from your ambitions; it’s about stepping back from the constant grind so you can show up for yourself and others from a place of balance, clarity, and joy.
How to Start Embracing Sacred Rest
- Give yourself permission to rest without guilt. You are worthy of it.
- Honor your rhythms. Rest when you need it, not when the world tells you it’s “okay.”
- Create a restorative space. Whether it’s coloring, reading, journaling, or just sitting in silence. Find what brings you peace and make it a part of your routine.
- Redefine productivity. Productivity isn’t just about getting things done. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is rest and refill your energy.
Sis, sacred rest is not a sign of weakness. It’s a powerful act of self-preservation and it’s time we stopped equating rest with laziness and started recognizing it as a vital part of our well-being.
So today, take a moment to just be.
Slow down, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and know that your worth is not tied to how much you do, but to who you are. You deserve rest. You deserve peace. You deserve to show up as your most rested, powerful self.
Ready to embrace sacred rest? Start today by making space for peace and joy in your life. Let’s do this, together.
