Rest as Revolution: Why Black Women Must Prioritize Their Well-Being Year-Round
March 10th marked the National Day of Rest for Black Women, a day dedicated to stillness, reflection, and renewal. While the official observance has passed, the need for sustained rest practices remains urgent. Rest is more than a break—for us as Black women, it's a revolutionary act.
Why Rest Is Revolutionary
The demand for Black women to constantly care for others, both within families and communities, has long been normalized. This expectation, compounded by societal inequities, often leaves us overworked and unsupported. Choosing to prioritize rest challenges those narratives and reimagines how we, as Black women, can thrive without sacrificing ourselves.
Historically, Black women have been placed at the center of social, spiritual, and familial caretaking. Many find themselves neglecting their own needs to support aging parents, growing children, or overwhelmed partners. These responsibilities often prevent Black women from making choices that would improve their well-being, such as relocating for safety, pursuing career growth, or seeking a less stressful environment.
Balancing Family and Personal Well-Being
Finding ways to care for family without neglecting personal health is key. As Black women, we should feel empowered to:
Establish support systems for aging parents that reduce daily burdens. Exploring options like paid caregiving services or nearby family members who can assist may allow for more flexibility.
Consider regular visits rather than constant proximity. Setting a rhythm for travel or frequent check-ins can ease the emotional strain of being apart while maintaining meaningful connections.
Challenge internalized guilt. We, as Black women, are often conditioned to believe we must remain physically close to be "good" daughters, mothers, or caregivers. Redefining those roles with boundaries and self-care in mind is crucial.
Incorporating Rest Into Everyday Life
Adopting rest as a regular practice rather than an occasional treat is vital. Here are ways to cultivate rest throughout the year:
1. Create Dedicated Rest Rituals
Carve out time for activities that nourish you. Whether it's journaling in the morning, practicing yoga, or enjoying an hour of silence with your favorite music, prioritize these moments.
2. Embrace Restful Travel
Travel can be restorative when approached with intention. Consider destinations that encourage relaxation rather than high-energy exploration. Wellness retreats, beachside cabins, or nature-focused getaways can provide the peace your mind and body need.
3. Build a Rest-Focused Network
Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and encourage you to rest. Whether through community groups, church circles, or social networks, building a support system ensures you don't feel isolated when stepping back.
4. Reimagine Productivity
Rest doesn’t mean laziness. True productivity requires pauses. Recognizing that stepping away is essential for sustained focus, creativity, and emotional well-being can help dismantle harmful "grind culture" norms.
Resources for Sustained Rest and Renewal
Here are practical tools and resources for us to prioritize rest:
Mental Health Support
Travel and Relaxation
Wellness and Self-Care
Moving Forward With Intention
Embracing rest as a revolutionary act means refusing to be defined by endless labor. It’s about finding balance, building sustainable support systems, and honoring your needs. By making rest a priority, we can create healthier lives for ourselves and stronger foundations for the communities we sustain.