For as long as I can remember, rest felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. Between navigating my career development, supporting others, and navigating the daily realities of being a Black woman, I convinced myself that I had to keep going—no matter what. I was the helper, the fixer, the listener. How could I take a break when so many depended on me?
But eventually, my body, mind, and spirit had enough. Years of chronic fatigue from thyroid disease, burnout from overworking, and the emotional weight of caring for others began to take their toll. One day, I couldn’t get out of bed—not because I was tired, but because I felt utterly depleted. That’s when I knew I had to make a change.
What I’ve since learned is that rest is not a weakness. Rest is a necessity. And for Black individuals, rest is a revolutionary act.
Why Rest Matters for Black Bodies, Minds, and Spirits
As Black individuals, we carry unique burdens that stem from historical and systemic oppression. For centuries, our ancestors were denied rest—forced to labor under grueling conditions that prioritized productivity over humanity. This legacy persists today in the form of grind culture, where our worth is often measured by how much we can endure or achieve.
Rest is where healing begins. Physically, it allows our bodies to recover and rejuvenate. Mentally, it creates space to process our experiences, regulate emotions, and gain clarity. Spiritually, rest reconnects us to God, ourselves, and our purpose. It’s not just about pausing; it’s about renewal.
For me, reclaiming rest meant learning to honor my needs unapologetically. It meant recognizing that rest is not just about sleeping or sitting still but creating intentional spaces to heal and reconnect.
The Journey to Paving Your Own Path to Rest
Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is to pave your own path toward rest, one that reflects your unique journey and needs.
For me, rest looked like:
Morning devotions with a warm cup of tea, centering my spirit before the day’s demands.
Setting boundaries without guilt, learning to say “no” to things that didn’t align with my priorities.
Scheduling downtime, treating it as non-negotiable as any work meeting.
Your rest might look different. It might be journaling, taking a quiet walk, dancing, or even cooking a nourishing meal. What matters is that it nurtures you.
Breaking the Cycle of Racialized Trauma Through Rest
Living as a Black person in a racialized world often means navigating microaggressions, systemic racism, and the emotional labor of existing in predominantly white spaces. This constant vigilance keeps our bodies and minds in a state of stress, activating fight-or-flight responses that prevent genuine rest.
For years, I didn’t realize how deeply this affected me. Even in moments of physical rest, my mind wouldn’t stop racing. It was through prayer, therapy, and reconnecting with my cultural and Christian roots that I began to see rest as an act of resistance.
Rest disrupts the cycle of racialized trauma. It’s a way to reclaim our humanity and remind ourselves that we are more than what the world demands of us.
Key Takeaways for Your Rest Journey
Rest is a Right, Not a Reward
You are inherently worthy of rest, simply because you exist.
Pave Your Own Path
Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. Find what nourishes you and make it part of your life.
Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Prioritize yourself by saying “no” to things that don’t serve you. Rest is not selfish; it’s necessary.
Reclaim Rest as Resistance
Rest is an act of self-love and defiance against systems that dehumanize us.
Seek Support
Rest doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Lean on your community or seek professional help when needed.
A Call to Embrace Rest
When I finally allowed myself to rest, I discovered something profound: rest isn’t about stopping—it’s about starting anew. It’s where healing begins, where clarity forms, and where we remember who we are.
To rest is to resist the pressures of a world that demands too much of us. To rest is to reclaim our joy, health, and power. And to rest is to remind ourselves that we are more than enough—just as we are.
Be inspired to embrace rest unapologetically. Rest is not just an individual act; it’s a collective one. When we rest, we heal ourselves, and in doing so, we heal our communities.
Reference: Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Little Brown Spark.
About the Author
Shanique Victoria Edwards, BSc, MDiv, and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), is the founder of Shanique Victoria Psychotherapy & Wellness, a virtual private practice committed to providing compassionate and transformative mental health care to all individuals. While Shanique works with a diverse range of clients, her practice has a committed focus on supporting Black and racialized individuals through culturally relevant and faith-informed care. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where clients can explore their mental health, navigate challenges, and build resilience.
Shanique specializes in areas such as racial trauma recovery, mental wellness, and integrating spirituality into therapy. Her work is particularly informed by an Afro-Caribbean lens, ensuring that her services are culturally affirming and grounded in an understanding of her clients’ lived experiences.
In addition to her private practice, Shanique is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and facilitator. She has delivered workshops and presentations on topics including racial trauma and mental health, cultural competency in mental health care, navigating burnout and compassion fatigue, and promoting inclusivity in clinical practice. She has also developed programs on Africentric crisis intervention, making mental health services safe for Black and racialized individuals, and fostering healing and resilience in marginalized communities.
Through her writing, speaking engagements, and community collaborations, Shanique advocates for equity and inclusion while empowering individuals to embrace their unique paths toward healing and growth. Her work bridges cultural understanding with evidence-based practices, making mental health care accessible and affirming for all.
For more resources and to learn more about Shanique’s work, visit www.shaniquevictoria.com.
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