Rest is Revolutionary

Rest often feels like a luxury—something we only allow ourselves after everything else is done. But what happens when the grind never stops, and there’s no room left for rest?

Let me share a moment from my life when I learned, quite literally, that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

After finishing my postdoctoral fellowship, I was tired. And I mean tired. I had a three-month gap before starting my "big woman job," and I thought about all the ways I’d use that time: working on creative projects, building a business, spending time with friends, partying, and being out and about.

But did I mention I was tired? The kind of tired I didn’t even know was possible. My body just gave out on me. For two weeks, I didn’t leave the house. In fact, I barely made it off the couch. Thirteen years of higher education and relentless grind—one year after the next—had caught up to me.

At first, it was hard to understand. I wasn’t used to being still. Even when I wasn’t working, I was always doing—always on the go. That was my default mode: being productive. But my body had other plans. It forced me to stop, to rest. And so, day after day, I just laid there, too tired to do anything else.

And then something happened. In that stillness, as I allowed myself to simply rest, my body began to heal. My energy started to return, and my mind became clearer. But even after those first two weeks, I didn’t rush back into life. I eased back into it slowly. For the first time in years, I truly integrated rest into my daily life.

For over a year and a half, all I did was work my 9-to-5 job and come home to rest. That was it. No side hustles, no extra projects, no constant going and doing. And while it felt foreign—and even a little uncomfortable—it was exactly what I needed. Rest became a part of my existence, not something to feel guilty about or something I had to "earn."

That season of rest wasn’t just restorative—it was transformational. It reconnected me to parts of myself I hadn’t seen in years. It reminded me of the healing power of stillness, the magic of doing absolutely nothing, and the importance of allowing myself to just be. Rest taught me how to live differently, and I’m so much better for it.

Research shows that chronic stress and overwork can lead to burnout, impaired cognitive function, and even physical health issues. Rest isn’t just restorative for your body—it also enhances mental clarity, boosts creativity, and improves emotional resilience.

When we rest, we give ourselves the chance to heal and recharge, allowing us to show up as our best selves.

This week, try incorporating intentional rest into your daily routine. Start small:

• Take 10 minutes to sit in stillness with no agenda.

• Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without multitasking.

• Schedule at least one evening to relax—whether it’s reading, journaling, or simply doing nothing.

Some Resources

• Book Recommendation: Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

• Journal Prompt: What’s one way I can honor my need for rest this week?

Rest isn’t something to earn—it’s a necessity for your well-being. By prioritizing rest, you give yourself the space to heal, recharge, and show up as your best self. Remember, rest isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a revolutionary act of self-care.

🖤Dr. Akilah

This is part of Dr. Akilah's Rewriting the Narrative of Strength series. Read the entire series here!