When you think of the word rest, what comes to mind?
If your first thought is something like, “I can’t even remember the last time I truly rested,” or “Rest? That must be nice,” then this post is definitely for you. For many millennials, especially those juggling careers, side hustles, parenting and caregiving roles, or simply trying to survive in this world, we often view rest as a luxury instead of necessity. I hear this often just talking to people in my own personal and professional network, and with clients I have worked with.
Despite what you may have been used to, here’s the truth: rest isn’t a reward you earn after overworking, it’s a basic need. And constantly denying yourself rest is doing more harm than you may realize.
It’s time to pause, breathe, and reclaim what hustle culture has tried to steal from you.
What is Hustle Culture?
Hustle culture is the glorification of overworking. It’s the mindset that productivity equals worth, and that the busier you are, the more valuable you become. Sound familiar?
For millennials who came of age during economic instability, student loan crises, and the rise of “girlboss” culture, hustle culture didn’t just happen, yet, it was baked into our survival strategy. We’ve been told that grinding non-stop is the only path to success, stability, and self-worth.
But at what cost?
Working through exhaustion, skipping meals to meet deadlines, bragging about “team no sleep”, these aren’t badges of honor. They’re signs of burnout.
What I Mean by Rest…
When we talk about rest, we’re not just talking about sleep (though that matters, too). Rest is multidimensional. And for millennials trying to keep it all together, we need more than naps to heal.
Here are a few types of rest we often overlook:
- Mental rest- Taking breaks from constant decision-making, overstimulation, and digital noise. Yes, that means logging off.
- Emotional rest- Giving yourself space to feel without having to fix everything or be “on” all the time.
- Creative rest- Stepping away from productivity to refuel inspiration and imagination.
- Social rest- Spending time with people who don’t drain you, or giving yourself permission to cancel plans and not feel guilty about it.
Rest is about restoration, not laziness. It’s about coming back to yourself without the pressure to perform.
Let’s Talk About the Impact on Your Mental Health
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a mental health crisis!
Hustle culture contributes to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness. When we constantly run on empty, our nervous systems stay in fight-or-flight mode, making it nearly impossible to feel calm, focused, or grounded.
Additionally, for Black and marginalized millennials, the pressure to “outwork the system” or “be twice as good” only intensifies the emotional toll. The reality is, no amount of overworking will protect you from a system that profits off your exhaustion. Go ahead and read that sentence again.
Signs Hustle Culture May Be Hurting Your Mental Health:
- You feel guilty when you’re not working.
- You’re constantly tired, even after sleep.
- You measure your worth by your productivity.
- You’re overwhelmed but don’t know how to stop.
- Rest feels like weakness instead of wisdom.
If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone.
Reclaiming Your Rest
Reclaiming your rest isn’t lazy. It’s saying, “I am worthy of care without having to earn it.”
On the other hand, millennials are starting to rewrite the rules, trading burnout for boundaries and hustle for healing. And while it’s not easy to unlearn decades of programming, it’s absolutely possible.
Here’s how you can start:
- Schedule rest like you schedule meetings. Protect your downtime.
- Unplug regularly. Your phone doesn’t deserve 24/7 access to your mind.
- Reframe your mindset. Rest fuels your purpose, it doesn’t take away from it.
- Ask for help. Therapy, community, and support are not signs of weakness.
My Therapist Approved Reading Recommendations:
Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in the Modern Age by Claudia Hammond
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Busy Moms by Kate Northrup
Laziness Does Not Exist by Dr. Devon Price
And Finally…
Let this be your reminder: you are allowed to rest. You are allowed to not be busy. You are allowed to choose peace over pressure.
I hope this resonated with you, and please feel free to share with someone who needs a reminder to slow down. If you want to talk more and interested in learning more about services I offer at The Wellness Social, let’s connect further!
Or just let me know your intentions around rest in the comments!
Dr. Jasmine Easley
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