Why Black Women Deserve Rest—and How Mindfulness Can Help

Mimi Kintaudi
Mar 18
3 min read

When was the last time you truly rested? Not just sleep, but actual rest—the kind that makes your soul exhale, the kind that doesn’t come with guilt or second-guessing. If you’re struggling to answer that question, you’re not alone. For many Black women, rest feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Between work, family, community, and the constant fight to prove our worth in spaces that weren’t built for us, rest often falls to the bottom of the list.

But here’s the truth: Rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s a revolution. And mindfulness is the tool that can help you reclaim it.

The Weight of Always Being “On”

As Black women, we carry so much. The pressure to perform, to excel, to support everyone else—it’s overwhelming. We’ve been taught that rest is lazy, that our worth is tied to how much we can produce or how much we can endure.

But let’s be real: Burnout is not a badge of honor. When you deny yourself rest, you deny yourself the ability to show up fully in your life. You deserve better.

Why Rest Matters

Rest is more than just physical recovery—it’s emotional and spiritual nourishment.

For Your Mind: Rest allows your brain to reset and process the emotions and experiences you’ve been holding onto.
For Your Body: Chronic stress and lack of rest can lead to physical health issues like high blood pressure, fatigue, and more.
For Your Spirit: Rest reconnects you to yourself. It reminds you that you are worthy, not because of what you do, but because of who you are.

How Mindfulness Supports Rest

Mindfulness teaches us to slow down, be present, and listen to our bodies. It helps us let go of guilt and embrace rest as an act of self-love and self-preservation.

Mindful Breathing: A few minutes of deep breathing can calm your nervous system and help you release tension.
Body Scans: Take a moment to check in with each part of your body, noticing where you’re holding stress and consciously relaxing those areas.
Gratitude Practices: Reflect on the moments of rest you’ve had and how they’ve benefited you, no matter how small.

Overcoming the Barriers

I know the barriers to rest are real.

“I don’t have time”: Start small. Even 5 minutes of mindfulness can make a difference. The Mindfulness in 5 Course is designed for this exact reason—to give you the tools to rest and recharge in a way that fits your life. Click here to explore the course.
“I feel guilty”: Rest is your birthright. Remind yourself that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
“I don’t know how”: That’s okay. Rest is a practice, just like mindfulness. Start with small moments and build from there.

Actionable Steps to Reclaim Your Rest

Create a Rest Ritual: Dedicate time each week to rest—whether it’s a long bath, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.
Affirmation: “Rest is my right. I am worthy of peace and restoration.”
Journaling Prompt: “What does rest mean to me, and how can I prioritize it in my life?”
Pause with Gratitude: Reflect on one moment today where you allowed yourself to rest, and how it made you feel.

Closing Words

Rest is not selfish. It’s necessary. And it’s something you deserve, not just because you’re tired, but because you are human.

If you’re ready to reclaim your rest and bring more mindfulness into your life, take the Mindfulness Snapshot Quiz to start exploring your journey. For a deeper dive, the Mindfulness in 5 Course is here to help you find peace in just a few minutes a day.

And until next time, I’m Meanna DK, and I love y’all. I swear I do!