This is Your Sign to Start Prioritizing Rest

"So often, the world feels frantic. We wake to the sound of urgent alarms and rush from one activity to the next."

Truth is, I don't think I understood the true meaning of rest until just last year.

I have always been on the move. Ever since I was a young girl, I made sure to keep myself busy with after-school activities, part-time jobs, and the most rigorous courses that could fit into my schedule. Why? Because I wanted to be better than I was before. I was a hustler.

I lived my life by mottos that I once considered empowering, but now realize were extremely counterproductive, draining, and unhealthy for my well-being.

In the face of adversity or struggle, I would often repeat the phrases "We Move" or "The Grind Doesn't Stop" to prove I was capable of anything. And while it is more than acceptable to strive for greatness, I fear that in our efforts to be great, we neglect our health.

I do not have to warn you about the negative effects of neglecting your health, whether mental, physical, or emotional. Nor the toll it can take on your body, your social life, and your work. Honestly, I think college and work culture does a great job of showing you that on their own. But I do want to emphasize the importance of taking rest in a way you may not have contemplated before.

The Power of No

If you have ever felt that you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, then this specific advice is for you. Say "no" more. It can be easy to give in to others while simultaneously giving up on your rest when a lot of people are counting on you: your parents, younger siblings, co-workers, employees, partners, etc.

Saying "no" is an act of resistance that requires enough confidence to ultimately progress forward.

Now pause. I am not suggesting that you be rude and ignore those around you. But the next time you feel pressured to go out, add more to your to-do list, or get involved in yet another group chat commitment... please just say no. But say it conscientiously ;).

The Power of the Pause

The Power of the Pause is actually something I picked up in speech and debate. It is a speaking technique to draw your audience into your performance by pausing after a profound statement to keep them wanting more. However, in this context, pausing is about slowing down in life so that you are more effective for what is to come.

Think of it like this.

As a kid, did you ever find it difficult to sleep when you knew something big was going to happen the next day? It could have been the first day of school or the night before a big interview.

Me, I remember having a hard time sleeping when my parents and older siblings were up watching the 2008 election, hoping we would have the first Black President as the votes rolled in. I stayed up into the wee hours of the night to tirelessly watch George Lopez floating around my Mickey Mouse TV.

Anywho, back to my point. More than likely, those long, restless nights led to you being so exhausted the next morning that you either rushed for the first day of school or felt drained during the interview.

Taking the time to pause or slow down helps us jump into action for the truly important moments in our lives.

(Also, this is your sign to watch Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, if you have not already).

The Power of Quitting

If you haven't heard the term "Quiet Quitting", then you should probably turn on your Apple News alerts and start subscribing.

Quiet quitting is a term young working professionals adopted as a means of not actually quitting their jobs but essentially unsubscribing from the hustle mentality of going above and beyond in the workplace. (Here are some fun TikToks if you still don't really get it --- get it: "The Corporate Baddie", "@saraisthreads")

While I'm not encouraging quiet quitting per se, I do want to stress the importance of a work-life balance. I used to be the one overachiever that would actually take work home with me. Yes, I knew I was not getting paid, but I still felt like I needed to prove myself to my coworkers and supervisors by going above and beyond. UNSUBSCRIBE. Please do not do more work at home if you are not getting some form of compensation. It is simply unhealthy and toxic.

Practice a form of quitting when it comes to doing more than is required of you, and treat yourself to a good book, time with your friends, or self-care instead.

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Why I Took a Gap Semester

When I decided to study abroad last summer, I knew I would have to take wait a full semester before I could graduate. At first, I thought this was pointless. I mean, I could have been using that semester to take more advanced courses and prepare me for the workforce or get a really good internship.

Granted, that is a good use of extra time. But it was not the best use of my time, where I was in life. So, I decided to take some time to rest instead. The way I see it, I have my whole life to work but when would I have this much downtime before I start my big girl job or enroll in grad school? Like, never.

Therefore, I used my gap semester to go on trips that typically would not have made it out of the group chat. I chose to practice being a morning person. I read A LOT of books. I developed healthier habits. I said no to bad company. I paused and reflected on my future aspirations. I quit all the things that did not serve me. More importantly, I rested.

And I am better for it :)

But I am still learning, so please, share your wisdom for taking rest with me. Let's be healthier together!

L.N. Approved Good *short* Reads:

• https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/why-rest-is-act-resistance-for-black-women-48071653

• https://blog.youversion.com/2022/09/resting-in-a-busy-world/