Normalize Rest

Normalize: Prioritizing Rest.

It’s a big deal for Black women to say “No!” We are often in situations that requires us to stretch ourselves in one hundred different directions, play multiple roles, or be everything for everybody. It’s exhausting. 

So, when two of the world’s greatest athletes – Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles – said “No” it sent shockwaves around the world. It was almost as if no one had ever heard the word “No” before. Or, maybe they didn’t expect two Black women to stand their ground and prioritize their rest and mental health. Black women are expected to adhere to the rules, expectations, and standards of others, often to the detriment of their own wellbeing. When is the last time you said NO? When is the last time you prioritized rest? If this is new for you, no worries. 

Below are some ways that you can practice prioritizing your rest. 

Practice saying NO!

Practice saying no to things you do not have the capacity for. Hanging out with friends. Taking on extra responsibilities at work. A facetime or phone call from a family member. It is okay to say no for anything you do not have the physical or emotional capacity to handle at the moment. People will deal. Remember, NO is a full sentence and does not need justification or qualification. 

Listen to your body.

Our bodies are magnificent! They clue us in to danger and tell us to protect ourselves and they also tell us when we’re exhausted and need rest. But it only works if we take the time to listen. When you notice your muscles are stiff, maybe you need to stretch. When you notice you can’t focus or concentrate, maybe you need rest. When you notice your anxiety has increased, maybe you need to incorporate more mindfulness. 

Incorporate self-care as a regular part of your routine and not only as a response to feeling overwhelmed.

Most of us are guilty of this. We only go to the doctor when there is a major problem. We only rest when we are severely exhausted. But think of how much greater your emotional wellness could be if you started implemented practices on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Adding one or two things to your routine can do wonders for your mental health. Maybe you are intentional about going to bed at the same time every night. Or, you make it a practice to do a morning stretch before hopping on your computer to start working. Or, you make it a point to set the do not disturb feature on your phone at 9pm every evening. Whatever you decide to do, do it with the intention of increasing your emotional wellness.

- Dr. Tiffany Clomax