We live in a world that glorifies constant busyness, hustling as we call it in Nigeria. But no one taught us the importance of rest. Resting isn’t quitting, it’s how we heal. Resting is not weakness, either, as some might assume. Rather, it is a way of rejuvenating and returning to oneself.
Why We Don’t Value Rest
Growing up, many of us were programmed to believe that our worth was tied to our output. We celebrate packed schedules, lack of play time, every minute filled with chores, and relentless efforts at the expense of our health.
My story
I used to be that person who would not rest until everything on her to-do list was sorted out. Rest was not even an option. There were days I would be completely exhausted, and instead of resting, I pushed myself to do even more.
I started experiencing burnout and would lash out at the slightest provocation. I lost motivation and the will to try anything new. Constantly feeling sick and angry. I was just busy but not productive.
My healing came the day I told myself, you know what? I‘ve had enough, I need a break! That day, I asked for help with my children, took some days off from work, and decided to rest.
I felt a kind of relief I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I slept, watched my favourite program, and reconnected with myself. I felt alive again. That for me was my eureka moment!
Resting isn’t laziness but an investment in your future self.
The Effects of Ignoring Rest:
- Burnout
- Poor health
- Lack of motivation
Healing Through Rest: What It Looks Like
Healing sometimes doesn’t always mean deep therapy sessions or sudden life changes. Sometimes, all you need is;
- Sleep in on the weekend
- Turn off your phone for a few hours
- Say “no” to something that drains you
- Take a walk by yourself or with a loved one
- Do nothing and let that be enough
You don’t need permission to rest. You only need to remember: you’re human, not a machine.
Resting isn’t quitting, it’s Rejuvenating
Quitting means giving up. Resting means pausing to reorganise.
Rest:
- Is strategic
- It’s intentional
- It’s empowering
By resting, you’re telling yourself:
“I matter enough to take care of myself.”
And that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
Let This Be Your Reminder Today
If you’re tired, rest.
If your spirit feels stretched thin, pause.
If your inner critic is screaming, “keep going or else,”
breathe—and listen instead to your body’s whisper: “Slow down. You’re safe.”
You are not falling behind-you are resting, healing, and becoming.
And that is powerful!
Final Thought: You Deserve the Break You’ve Been Avoiding
Society may tell you to keep going, but your body and mind know the truth: Rest isn’t quitting. It’s necessary for growth, healing, and long-term success.
So today, permit yourself to pause. The work will still be there, but you’ll return to it with more clarity, energy, and resilience.
How do you prioritize rest in your busy life? Please share in the comments!
6 thoughts on “Resting Isn’t Quitting: It’s How We Heal”
For an entrepreneur, rest isn’t an option especially when you know you haven’t confidently crossed the t’s and dotted the i’s..
You know that output depends on input buh I agree, without rest, your body might give you a compulsory leave and you end up losing more time and financial resources….
We all need rest cos our bodies aren’t machines.
Taking some time off gives us the opportunity to return with clarity and renewed energy.
Thank you @Amaechi for your comments.
Most times when I hear people say ” young girl like you,what are resting from, you’ve not even started”…. I almost feel sorry for them.
I ask myself do they even know the difference between being lazy and resting?
I’ll like to think that taking few hours off in a week to rest is better than spending thousands on treatments you could have easily avoided.
If only people understand the benefits of resting….
But like you rightly said @Ginika. It is better to take few hours off in a week to rest, than spending on treatments that are avoidable.
Y’all are sooo right. You even tend to look younger and happier rather than easily overwhelmed when we give room for rest.
I used to feel sooo guilty when I think of resting when I have a burn-out. And I related so much to where you said “you’d just be busy and not productive”.
And whenever I rest and revisit a task I had asterisked for later, I have more clarity, more ideas, and I’m able to do it better than I would have if I didn’t rest.