The Summer of Softness: 4 Reasons Why BIPOC Women Deserve Rest Without Guilt
- Wellness Tree Counseling Team
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Have you ever felt like you're going through the day “running on empty”? Have you ever said to yourself, “Once I get this done, then I’ll take a break”?
This idea of rest being conditional—or even unattainable—echoes throughout Black and Brown communities, particularly among women of color. From a young age, we are often taught to find value in productivity and serving others. But what if rest wasn’t something to be earned, but something you are inherently worthy of? What if rest is a right—not a reward?
This blog explores 4 reasons why BIPOC women deserve rest without guilt.
Rewrite the Narrative: Rest isn’t Laziness, Rest is Revolutionary
Here's 4 reasons why BIPOC women deserve rest without guilt:
Historical Weight of Labor
From the brutal legacy of slavery to the undervalued labor that women of color continue to perform for others, we have long been placed at the center of families and communities while carrying society’s weight. Yet, we are rarely afforded the space to relax or replenish ourselves.
When we rest, we reclaim our space and honor those who were never given that opportunity.
You deserve to be rested and resilient
Stereotypes like the “strong Black woman” reinforce the idea that endurance, productivity, and strength are not just aspirational but expected. This is precisely why rest—even when accompanied by guilt—is an act of resistance.
When we share the load and honor our needs, we affirm that we are worthy without having to prove it.
Rest is our birthright
Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, reframes rest as a birthright for Black and Brown bodies—not something to be earned. Slowing down daily tasks becomes a radical challenge to capitalism, which frames rest as something only granted after tireless hustle.
Everything else can wait; your health can’t
Research shows that Black women report higher psychological stress than any other demographic group in the U.S. Repeated exposure to stress leads to wear and tear on the body, which increases health risks for women of color.
Exhaustion is not a weakness, and self-care isn’t selfish. They are both necessary reminders—to our minds that we are human, and to our bodies that we need to slow down.
The Right to Softness
Living through each day is reason enough to rest and care for yourself. When we rest, we reclaim our time, peace, and joy. Doing just one thing that fills your cup each day is the first radical step toward this change.
For more ways to incorporate restorative rest into your life, check out this helpful article on reclaiming rest as resistance.
Resting can feel difficult to justify. The healing journey toward prioritizing the self is not always easy to walk alone. At Wellness Tree Counseling, we understand—and we’re here to support you through it.
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