Rest is Resistance: Why Slowing Down is the Ultimate Power Move
Imagine this. You wake up before sunrise, grind through the day, hustle hard, barely eat, barely rest, and collapse into bed—only to do it all over again tomorrow. Society claps for you. “Hard worker.” “Go-getter.” “No days off.”
But at what cost?
The truth is, we’ve been lied to. We were told that working ourselves to the bone is what success looks like. That if you’re not exhausted, you’re not doing enough. That rest is for the weak. But let me tell you something that might shake your world:
Rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Your brain, your body, your soul—they were not designed for nonstop output. And yet, in a world where hustle culture reigns supreme, choosing rest has become an act of rebellion. Today, we’re reclaiming it.
The Mental Health Cost of Hustle Culture
Society glorifies “Team No Sleep”, but let’s talk about what actually happens when you ignore rest:
- Burnout: Your body and mind crash. You feel exhausted, emotionally drained, and lose motivation.
- Anxiety & Depression: The chronic stress of overworking triggers mental health struggles.
- Memory Loss & Brain Fog: Sleep deprivation messes with your ability to think clearly and make decisions.
- Physical Illness: Stress weakens your immune system, increases blood pressure, and puts you at risk of chronic diseases.
So, tell me, is the grind really worth it if it’s grinding you into dust?
Hustle Culture is Rooted in Oppression
Let’s be real: this pressure to work like a machine? It’s not normal. It was designed to keep people exploited and exhausted.
- Colonialism & Capitalism: Historically, Africans lived in balance—work, rest, celebration, and community. But colonial structures forced us into a cycle where rest was seen as laziness and hard labor was glorified.
- Modern Corporate Culture: The 9-5 grind was built on the same idea—maximize work, minimize recovery. You’re just a number in the system, and if you break down? They replace you.
- Social Media Pressure: Now, it’s worse. You see 19-year-olds making millions, influencers working 24/7, and suddenly, rest feels like failure.
- But ask yourself: who benefits when you’re overworked and burnt out? Not you. Not your family. Not your health.
Let’s be real: this pressure to work like a machine? It’s not normal. It was designed to keep people exploited and exhausted.
- Colonialism & Capitalism: Historically, Africans lived in balance—work, rest, celebration, and community. But colonial structures forced us into a cycle where rest was seen as laziness and hard labor was glorified.
- Modern Corporate Culture: The 9-5 grind was built on the same idea—maximize work, minimize recovery. You’re just a number in the system, and if you break down? They replace you.
- Social Media Pressure: Now, it’s worse. You see 19-year-olds making millions, influencers working 24/7, and suddenly, rest feels like failure.
- But ask yourself: who benefits when you’re overworked and burnt out? Not you. Not your family. Not your health.
The African Wisdom of Rest
The African Wisdom of Rest
Before the world told us we needed to hustle non-stop, our ancestors understood the natural rhythms of life.
Sacred Rest Days: Many African cultures had communal rest days—whether for spiritual reflection, storytelling, or simply being.
Seasons of Labor & Rest: Farmers worked hard, but they also let the land rest between harvests. Because even the earth needs to breathe.
The Baobab Philosophy:The mighty baobab tree thrives because it stores water, stands firm, and grows slowly. It does not rush—it survives through wisdom, not hustle.
So why do we treat ourselves worse than the land, worse than the trees, worse than nature itself?
Before the world told us we needed to hustle non-stop, our ancestors understood the natural rhythms of life.
Sacred Rest Days: Many African cultures had communal rest days—whether for spiritual reflection, storytelling, or simply being.
Seasons of Labor & Rest: Farmers worked hard, but they also let the land rest between harvests. Because even the earth needs to breathe.
The Baobab Philosophy:The mighty baobab tree thrives because it stores water, stands firm, and grows slowly. It does not rush—it survives through wisdom, not hustle.
So why do we treat ourselves worse than the land, worse than the trees, worse than nature itself?
How to Reclaim Rest (Without Guilt!)
Step 1: Detach Your Worth from Productivity
You are not your work. You are not your output. You are enough—resting or not.
Step 2: Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Work
If you don’t plan for it, it won’t happen. Block out time for real rest—no guilt, no shame.
Step 3: Set Boundaries Like a Boss
That extra shift? That late-night email? That friend who always drains you? You can say NO.
Step 4: Create a Rest Ritual
Rest is not just sleep. Try deep breathing, meditation, journaling, nature walks, music, dance, or silence. Find what fuels your soul and make it a habit.
Step 1: Detach Your Worth from Productivity
You are not your work. You are not your output. You are enough—resting or not.
Step 2: Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Work
If you don’t plan for it, it won’t happen. Block out time for real rest—no guilt, no shame.
Step 3: Set Boundaries Like a Boss
That extra shift? That late-night email? That friend who always drains you? You can say NO.
Step 4: Create a Rest Ritual
Rest is not just sleep. Try deep breathing, meditation, journaling, nature walks, music, dance, or silence. Find what fuels your soul and make it a habit.
Final Thoughts: Rest is Power, Rest is Survival
Listen, rest is your birthright. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to apologize for it. And you sure don’t need anyone’s permission to take it.
If this resonated with you, share it. Let’s normalize a culture where rest is not rebellion—it’s wisdom.
Join the Movement:
Follow Able Africa for more mental wellness content.
Subscribe to Mūciī – Stories for Life! to hear the podcast on this topic.
Visit www.ablafrica.org to book a session and start your healing journey.
#RestIsResistance #MentalWellness #AbleAfrica #SelfCareIsPower
Listen, rest is your birthright. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to apologize for it. And you sure don’t need anyone’s permission to take it.
If this resonated with you, share it. Let’s normalize a culture where rest is not rebellion—it’s wisdom.
Join the Movement:
Follow Able Africa for more mental wellness content.
Subscribe to Mūciī – Stories for Life! to hear the podcast on this topic.
Visit www.ablafrica.org to book a session and start your healing journey.
#RestIsResistance #MentalWellness #AbleAfrica #SelfCareIsPower