Rewriting the Rules of Rest During Women’s History Month: Rest is NOT a Reward

Dear Empowered Reader,

As women, we carry so much.

We’ve been taught to be strong, to push through, to take care of everyone else first. And somewhere along the way, we internalized the idea that we don't have time for rest.

Sound familiar?

Because that definitely resonates with me.

This year, I’ve been moving non-stop. Even though I’ve been intentional about protecting my time and setting boundaries, I’ve realized something:

Just because I love something doesn’t mean I have to say yes to everything.

I can be passionate and still pause. I can care deeply and still prioritize myself. I’m learning to recalibrate. And I’m giving myself grace while I do it.

But let’s be real—it has not been easy and this is bigger than just me...

For generations, women have been conditioned to believe that because we can do it all means that we have to, because no one else will.

We’ve been told that rest is something we can indulge in only after we’ve checked off every task, taken care of everyone around us, and proven—over and over—that we’ve done enough.

But here’s what I’m unlearning: Rest is not a reward. It’s a necessity.

And what better time to embrace that than during Women’s History Month? A time meant to honor the contributions, resilience, and brilliance of women across generations.

But let’s be clear—our legacy should not be one of exhaustion. We deserve to be celebrated in rest, in ease, in wholeness.

The Connection Between Self-Care & Nervous System Nourishment

When we talk about self-care, it’s easy to picture bubble baths, spa days, and vacations—and while those things are beautiful, they only scratch the surface. Real self-care? It’s nervous system nourishment. It’s about recognizing when our bodies and minds are running on fumes and choosing to replenish before we crash. Shifting from survival mode into a space of true restoration. Here’s what that looks like in everyday life:

1. Honoring your capacity – Saying "no" (or "not right now") without guilt

2. Building in pause points – Taking moments throughout the day to breathe, reset, and check in with yourself

3. Releasing the need to prove yourself – Trusting that your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish

4. Softening into support – Allowing yourself to receive care, not just give it. Because self-care is not just an act—it’s a way of being.

   
   

How Hustle Culture Keeps Women Exhausted—And How to Break Free

We live in a world that glorifies grind culture—where being "busy" is the norm, and rest is seen as laziness.

Women, in particular, often feel the pressure to juggle multiple roles effortlessly—whether in careers, families, relationships, or communities. We are told to "be strong," even when we’re carrying more than anyone should.

But rest is resistance.

Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry and author of Rest is Resistance, says it best:

“You don’t have to earn rest. You are worthy now. Rest is not a privilege—it is a divine right.”

So what if we believed that? What if we gave ourselves permission to pause, reset, and exist outside of constant production?

It’s time to break the cycle of exhaustion and reclaim our right to rest.

Small, Realistic Rest Practices for Women Who Never Stop Moving

If slowing down feels unfamiliar (or even impossible), I see you. Rest doesn’t have to mean taking an entire week off. It can start with small, intentional shifts.

Here are a few ways to begin reclaiming rest in ways that feel accessible:

☀️ Start your day with intention – Instead of immediately grabbing your phone, take two minutes to breathe, stretch, or set an intention.

🛑 Build in mini “pause points” – Even if your schedule is packed, take 60 seconds throughout the day to check in with yourself. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and release tension.

🙅🏾‍♀️ Say “no” with confidence – Not everything needs your immediate yes. Ask yourself: Do I have the energy for this? Will this pour into me, or drain me?

🍵 Create a wind-down ritual – Whether it’s a cup of tea, journaling, or listening to music, signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to rest at the end of the day.

👩🏾 Speak rest over your life – Normalize rest in your language. Instead of saying, “I need to be more productive,” try “I need to give myself space to reset.”

Rest is not just about what we do—it’s about what we allow.

Reminder: You Are Worthy of Rest

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the women before us who carried so much—and let’s rewrite the story moving forward.

✨ What do you need more of?

✨ Where can you create more space for rest?

✨ What’s one thing you can release to honor your energy?

This isn’t about abandoning responsibilities. It’s about choosing yourself as much as you choose everything else.

So, let’s start unlearning. Let’s start resting. Let’s start reclaiming.

Because we don’t have to wait until we’re exhausted to take care of ourselves. We can do it now.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you’re prioritizing rest this month? Drop a comment below!

With love ❤️

Jennifer Nicole

P.S.: Rest is a form of self-love. Implement it everyday in different ways. The goal is to feel refreshed and renewed.

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Recommended Resource: Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the power of rest, I highly recommend Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey. This book is a powerful reminder that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can check it out at A Manifesto (Rest Is Resistance, 1): Hersey, Tricia: 9780316365215: Amazon.com: Books.

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💜 Join EmpowerHer Society

If you’re looking for a space to prioritize yourself, embrace balance, and step out of survival mode, EmpowerHer Society is here for you. Join our mailing list to stay connected and receive resources, support, and event updates.

📌 Sign up here: www.empowerhersociety.co 

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Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect with me. If this post resonated with you, I’d love for you to stay connected! Visit my websites, Perfectly Imperfect and EmpowerHer Society, for more insights, resources, and updates on how we can navigate this journey together.

Let’s stay in touch on social media, too! Follow me on Instagram at @theempowerhersociety and @sheisjennifernicole, or connect with me on LinkedIn at Jennifer Nicole Brown.

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Disclaimer: The resources mentioned in this post are shared because I believe they could be helpful and have personally found them of interest. I am affiliated with Perfectly Imperfect Counseling Services as the founder and a therapist and EmpowerHer Society as its creator and facilitator, and I share it as part of my mission to support women of color in their journey toward self-love, empowerment, and balance. For all other resources, I am not affiliated and do not receive compensation for sharing them. These resources are provided solely for informational purposes to support your personal growth and well-being. I encourage you to explore them and determine if they align with your needs.