What Does Restorative Rest Look Like? Reclaiming Rest as Resistance

In a world that often equates productivity with worth, the notion of rest is a radical, revolutionary act—especially for communities that have historically been overworked and underappreciated. Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry, has become a leading voice in the movement to reclaim rest as a vital part of holistic wellness. Hersey argues that rest is not a luxury but a necessity—especially for communities impacted by historical and systemic oppression. 

In her writings and teachings, Hersey frames rest as a form of resistance to the demands of capitalism, which thrives on our perpetual state of busyness and exhaustion. Rest, she argues, is a radical act of reclaiming our time, our energy, and our bodies from systems that profit from our labor without acknowledging our humanity. When we engage in restorative rest, we are challenging the capitalist notion that our worth is tied to our productivity and output.

Restorative rest is essential for healing these wounds, as it allows the body and mind to recover from the toll of historical trauma. It’s not just a break—it’s a necessary practice for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. By reclaiming rest, we push back against a system that values individuals only for their output. Rest is a reminder that our worth isn’t defined by how much we do but by our inherent humanity.

Here are 3 simple and practical practices for restorative rest:

1. Power Naps

Take a 15-30 minute nap during the day to recharge. Napping can boost your mood, improve mental clarity, and help you feel more energized. Set a timer to avoid oversleeping and to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed.

2. Mindful Breathing

Spend 5 minutes focusing on your breath. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly. This simple practice calms the nervous system and helps reduce stress, bringing your body and mind back to a place of rest.

3. Unplug for 1 Hour

Designate one hour each day to disconnect from screens—whether it’s work emails, social media, or digital distractions. Use this time to rest, reflect, or engage in a calming activity, like reading, stretching, or enjoying a quiet moment.

Restorative Rest: Reclaiming Your Energy and Well-Being

Restorative rest is more than a break—it’s an act of resistance. By prioritizing rest, we honor our need for healing and push back against systems that demand our constant labor. For BIPOC communities, it’s a way to reclaim time, energy, and well-being, affirming that our worth isn’t measured by productivity. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a radical choice for reclaiming our lives.

At Wellness Tree Counseling, we understand the importance of restorative rest and holistic wellness in the healing process. If you’re ready to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, we’re here to support you. Reach out today to book an intake screening call and start your journey to healing, balance, and rest. Your well-being matters—let's reclaim your time together!

Learn more about our services HERE.

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About Wellness Tree Counseling...

Our mission at Wellness Tree Counseling is to promote wellness through a culturally sensitive lens so that individuals, families and communities are encouraged to rise to their full potential and engage life in meaningful ways.

Our vision is to provide the BIPOC community with comprehensive holistic care that empowers and equips them with skills to work toward improved mental health and well-being. We take great pride in treating the whole-person.

At Wellness Tree Counseling, we value treating our clients and community with C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Affirming, Respect, & Empathy).

To learn more about our services, please visit www.wellnesstreecounseling.com