The Cost of Not Resting

As we wave goodbye to summer—a season filled with joy, play, and freedom—it’s easy to feel the pull to jump back into work mode. But after the whirlwind of busyness, I realized what I needed most was rest. If you’ve ever felt that lingering exhaustion, you’re not alone. In my month of rest, I learned some surprising truths about how stress clings to our bodies, especially for women of color who are constantly navigating societal pressures. Curious about what I discovered? Read on, share your thoughts, and let’s start a conversation about why rest is essential—and how it can transform your mental, physical, and creative well-being.

Why is rest important?

Ignoring our need for rest disproportionately affects women, particularly Latina, Asian, and Black women, who face a unique combination of societal, cultural, and economic pressures. Black women, for instance, are 60% more likely than white women to suffer from high blood pressure, and the chronic stress from overwork only exacerbates this issue. Latina women, many of whom experience the “double burden” of work and caregiving, report higher levels of stress than their white counterparts, with 46% saying they often feel stressed. Asian women, while often stereotyped as the “model minority,” face high expectations in both their professional and family lives, contributing to significant mental health challenges, yet are the least likely to seek mental health support due to stigma. The persistent lack of rest leads to heightened rates of anxiety, depression, and physical health issues such as diabetes and heart disease, all of which are disproportionately prevalent in our communities. Without rest, we remain trapped in cycles of exhaustion that hinder both their personal well-being and professional advancement, making the prioritization of rest and self-care a critical act of resistance and thrivance.

We know rest is important, yet we struggle to prioritize it.

Even when we know how important our rest and self-care is, true rest and restoration can feel surprisingly difficult.

Picture this: you finally schedule time to disconnect, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and settle into your favorite chair with every intention of relaxing. But instead of unwinding, your mind starts racing—did you forget to reply to that email? What’s happening on social media? Ugh! That was me last weekend, and I couldn’t believe how hard it was to truly let go. Even though I knew I needed rest, my mind was buzzing with all the things I should be doing. Sound familiar?

Even when we try to rest, the chronic stress and unprocessed traumas often remain trapped in our bodies because our nervous system and muscles store unresolved emotional and physical experiences. Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline, but when this stress isn’t processed, it gets embedded in areas like the shoulders, neck, and hips, causing chronic tension and pain. This keeps the body in a state of alertness, making true relaxation difficult. To fully release these imprints, body-based practices like somatic therapy, yoga, and breathwork are essential for calming the nervous system and allowing the body to truly rest.

The time for rest is now

We believe that the key to rest that truly restores lies in giving ourselves permission to step away from the guilt or shame of not meeting societal expectations placed squarely on our shoulder, and to explore the experiences that awaken a childlike sense of wonder and awe. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s concept of “creative rest” suggests that engaging in activities that spark joy—whether it’s painting, writing, or even daydreaming—can replenish the soul. Creative hobbies not only help us relax but also inspire innovation, problem-solving, and personal and professional growth. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline for our mental and physical well-being, and investing in it is an act of healing, especially for those of us who carry the weight of extra societal burdens.

Make your rest and restoration a priority today. Join our next play date or invite us in to build a creative wellness experience for your team.