10|28|24Hello, Gem. How’s your heart? I pray it’s thriving. Let me tell you what’s been on mine.
The Power of Rest x K.M.
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Gem, today marks SheIsTreasure’s third anniversary, and we are starting it out with a restful bang of celebration. 🎉 Mhm, we’re making sure we lead by example as we jump into this week’s blog topic.
So, hear me out… we’ve all been there, right?—juggling 1,000 things at once, barely keeping up, and feeling like if we rest for just one minute, everything will fall apart. Whether it’s work, family, friendships, or trying to remember to drink enough water, life can sometimes feel like one long to-do list. But rest is not just something we “deserve” after burning ourselves out, it’s something we need, right now, in the middle of the chaos. Because if you’re like most of us, you’ve been running on fumes for longer than you care to admit.
What you need to keep in mind is that resting isn’t just for the lazy or the overworked, it’s for all of us, especially women who have been taught that doing more equals being more. It’s time to challenge that hustle mentality and take a step back.
In fact, sit down, right now and relax those shoulders, take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and let’s discuss why rest matters. Let’s acknowledge why resting is so hard to embrace, and how we can make slowing down a regular part of our lives.
Look, I get it, rest is not easy to prioritize. But what you fail to properly realize is that your body is begging you for a break, and it’s time to listen. Rest isn’t just about taking naps (though, who doesn’t love a good nap?) But giving your mind, body, and soul the time they need to recharge is vital. It’s like charging your phone: you don’t wait until it’s at 1% to plug it in, do you? (If so, you’re living dangerously, my friend!)
Let’s break down why rest is so important—besides the obvious fact that burnout is not very cutesy or demure:
Mental Health Boost: A study from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that regular breaks reduce stress and help prevent burnout. And let’s be real: sometimes the only thing standing between you and an emotional breakdown is a well-timed Netflix binge or a few deep breaths. It’s science!
Better Decision-Making: Sleep-deprived brains make bad choices. It’s like going grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Everything seems like a good idea, and suddenly you’ve got a cart full of cookies. When you’re rested, you’re more likely to think clearly and avoid the “hangry” decision-making zone. Believe me, I’ve tested this theory.
Improved Physical Health: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stresses that rest helps reduce inflammation, supports immune function, and lowers the risk of chronic illness. Translation: more rest equals fewer colds, aches, and trips to the doctor. So, next time you’re tempted to push through, remember that rest is doing your body a favor.
Productivity Boost: Can you believe that taking breaks makes us more productive in the long run? The University of Illinois found that short breaks help us focus better. So, if you’re feeling guilty about stepping away from your never-ending to-do list, just remember you’ll come back even stronger (like a superhero, but in sweats).
Why do we resist rest? The only answer I have is that the struggle is real. But you’re not the only one struggling with this, Gem. Being still can feel awkward, especially when we’ve been taught that “doing nothing” is unproductive. We live in a world where busyness is a badge of honor. Have you ever caught yourself bragging about how little sleep you’ve had like it’s some kind of twisted competition? (“Oh, you got six hours last night? Must be nice. I’ve been running on coffee and adrenaline since 2019.”)
We resist rest because we’ve been programmed to think that our worth is tied to how much we do, how busy we are, and how many things we can balance at once. The truth is that rest is productive and it’s a way of refueling, so we can show up for our lives fully present and fully alive. You’re not a robot, Gem. You’re human, and humans need rest!
Now that we’ve established that rest is necessary, let’s talk about how to embrace it… without the guilt. Yes, you can kick up your feet and relax without feeling like the world will fall apart. Here are some ways to help:
Reframe Rest as a Power Move: Resting isn’t lazy; it’s a power move. It’s like saying, “I’m so on top of things, I’m going to take a nap and come back even stronger.” Take a break like the queen you are.
Schedule It Like an Important Meeting: We schedule everything: meetings, appointments, and even our workouts. So why not schedule rest? Put it in your calendar, and don’t cancel it.
Do Something That Feels Good: Rest doesn’t have to mean lying on the couch (though if that’s your vibe, go for it!) It can be reading a book, taking a slow walk, or meditating. Do what fills your cup, whatever that looks like for you.
Say No Like a Pro: Part of embracing rest means learning how to say no. You don’t have to be everywhere or do everything. Saying no is a form of self-care, so practice it like a pro. (Bonus points if you can say it with a smile.)
Get Your Sleep Routine Together: I know we’re all guilty of scrolling through social media in bed, but let’s stop sabotaging our sleep. Create a bedtime routine that calms you down and tells your brain it’s time to power off. Trust me, sleep is the OG form of rest, and it’s non-negotiable.
In conclusion, Gem, when you rest, you’re giving your body and mind the care they need to function at their best. You’re permitting yourself to slow down, breathe, and exist without the constant pressure to do more. You’ll be better equipped to show up in your life, in your relationships, and your work. Please remember that rest is a power move—a radical act of self-care in a world that never stops.
So, let’s start normalizing naps and being still, okay?
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Gem, share this blog with someone who needs to hear that resting is not a reward but a requirement for living your best life. Let’s break the cycle of burnout and reclaim the power of slowing down.
Until next time, sit down somewhere, take a guilt-free nap, and relax. -K.M.
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