Rest is Revolutionary: Why Black Women Deserve More Than a Break

For far too long, Black women have been expected to be strong—no matter what.
The “Strong Black Woman” stereotype has led to chronic exhaustion, emotional burnout, and the constant feeling that rest must be earned. But today, we reclaim our rest.

March 10, 2025, is the National Day of Rest for Black Women—a day to reject hustle culture, embrace intentional self-care, and honor our need for restoration.

Movements like The Nap Ministry, founded by Tricia Hersey, have taught us that rest is not just self-care—it’s a form of resistance. When we prioritize rest, we disrupt the systems that thrive on our exhaustion. Rest is not a reward. It is a right.

But real rest is deeper than sleep. True rest is intentional. And sometimes, we don’t even realize what kind of rest we need most.

Today, we’re breaking down the 7 types of rest—so you can listen to your body, mind, and soul, and give yourself exactly what you need.

As you embrace the power of rest, explore our curated Rest is Revolutionary collection to help make rest a part of your daily self-care ritual.

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The 7 Types of Rest (And How to Know Which One You Need)

1. Physical Rest (Because Your Body Deserves a Break)

💤 Signs you need it:

• You’re physically drained, experiencing muscle tension, headaches, or sluggishness.
• You feel like you could sleep forever yet still wake up tired.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Passive rest: Prioritize deep sleep, naps, and lounging without guilt.
• Active rest: Stretching, yoga, deep breathing, and massage therapy.

✨ Try this: Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts to relax sore muscles and promote deep rest.

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2. Mental Rest (Because Overthinking is Draining)

💭 Signs you need it:

• Your brain feels cluttered.
• You lie awake at night replaying conversations or your to-do list.
• You feel forgetful, overwhelmed, or mentally foggy.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Unplug: Take a break from screens and social media.
• Brain dump: Write down your thoughts before bed to clear mental space.
• Mindfulness: Try deep breathing or guided meditation.

✨ Try this: Practice 4-7-8 breathing before bed—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8.

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3. Emotional Rest (Because “I’m Fine” is a Lie)

❤️ Signs you need it:

• You feel emotionally drained, like you’re carrying everyone else’s problems.
• You say “yes” when you really mean “no.”
• You crave a safe space to express your feelings.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Set boundaries: Give yourself permission to say “no.”
• Find your safe space: Talk to someone who truly listens—without judgment.
• Allow yourself to feel: Journaling or therapy can help process emotions.

✨ Try this: Write yourself a letter releasing any guilt, stress, or frustration you’ve been holding onto.

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4. Social Rest (Because Energy is Contagious)

👥 Signs you need it:

• You feel drained after social interactions, even with people you love.
• Small talk feels exhausting.
• You crave alone time but feel guilty about needing it.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Limit draining interactions: It’s okay to step back from people who deplete your energy.
• Surround yourself with restorative relationships: Spend time with people who make you feel safe, seen, and energized.
• Embrace solitude: Give yourself permission to recharge in peace.

✨ Try this: Spend an hour in silence—no phone, no talking, just you and your thoughts.

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5. Sensory Rest (Because Your Senses Need a Break Too)

🔊 Signs you need it:

• You feel overstimulated by screens, noise, bright lights, or crowded spaces.
• You struggle to focus or feel easily irritated.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Limit screen time: Reduce phone and computer use before bed.
• Create a calm environment: Dim the lights, listen to soft sounds, or enjoy silence.
• Engage in sensory relaxation: Take a warm bath, apply a nourishing body butter, or sit in nature.

✨ Try this: Close your eyes and listen to calming nature sounds or soft instrumental music for 10 minutes.

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6. Creative Rest (Because You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup)

🎨 Signs you need it:

• You feel uninspired, stuck in a rut, or disconnected from things that bring you joy.
• You’re experiencing burnout, struggling to come up with new ideas, or feeling unmotivated.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Immerse yourself in beauty: Visit a museum, listen to music, or go outside.
• Do something fun with no agenda: Dance, doodle, or bake just for the joy of it.
• Step away from work: Sometimes, the best ideas come when you stop forcing creativity.

✨ Try this: Doodle or color for 10 minutes—no pressure, just play with color and shapes.

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7. Spiritual Rest (Because You Need to Feel Connected)

🌌 Signs you need it:

• You feel disconnected from your purpose.
• You’re questioning your path, struggling with fulfillment, or feeling a lack of meaning.

🌿 How to restore it:

• Meditation & prayer: Create moments of stillness to reconnect.
• Nature therapy: Spend time outside and ground yourself.
• Practice gratitude: Reflect on what brings joy, peace, and purpose to your life.

✨ Try this: Sit in the sun for a few minutes, close your eyes, and reflect on what you’re grateful for..

 

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So, What Type of Rest Do YOU Need?

If you’ve been pushing through exhaustion, ignoring your body’s cues, or feeling burned out—this is your sign to slow down.

 

Ready to turn rest into a self-care moment?

✨ Shop the Rest is Revolutionary Collection