Take Your Rest, Sis: Because Black Women Deserve a Day Just to Breathe

Black women are exhausted, and rightfully so. While racism and white supremacy have always tainted society, the months since Donald Trump's election into his second presidency have been riddled with executive orders against anything that isn't white, especially one of the Trump Administration's buzzwords, DEIA, or Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

The influx of news updates can make it difficult for Black women to concentrate on what's most important: ourselves and our communities. Because we can't support or encourage anyone before filling our own cups.

Many are celebrating the National Day of Rest for Black Women to help Black women achieve a healthy dose of rest. Here's what a full day of rest for Black women looks like.

The National Day of Rest for Black Women 2025 will be observed on Monday, March 10. The day is also Harriet Tubman's birthday and is a way for Black women to pay homage to her by doing nothing all day. As an Instagram post shared by Emp Press notes, Black women celebrating the day are encouraged not to "work, spend your dollars, labor, or carry any burden" for 24 hours.

"Simply rest," the Instagram post continues. Rest your mind, rest your body, rest your hearts. As a collective, we will heal."

Many Black women were encouraged to request or take the day off from their respective jobs just to be. The March 10 Day of Rest for Black Women comes several months after the concept was introduced in December 2024, per The Grio. The day was observed for Black women to feel our feelings one month after Trump's election.

The National Day of Rest for Black Women was introduced on social media after the success of Black Girl Day Off. According to National Today, Black Girl Day Off is observed on Oct. 11 every year and is a day dedicated to Black women to prioritize our mental health and well-being, noting that "Black women assign a high risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and other chronic illnesses" than women of other races.

"The goal of Black Girl Day Off is to raise awareness about mental health concerns in African-American communities because black women are frequently a pillar of strength who must face the high risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and other chronic illnesses," the website shared. "As a result, by expanding information on the subject and attempting to remove the stigma associated with it, it is anticipated that this may inspire those who are suffering to seek treatment and support."

As The Grio suggested, Black women can celebrate the National Day of Rest for Black Women by following the seven types of rest, which include "Physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual." The outlet also noted, "It’s perfectly acceptable and even encouraged to find ways to get rest in all seven areas at the same time," which can look like doing inner work, going over a friend's house, writing in a journal, or none of the above.

While the National Day of Rest for Black Women should be a national holiday, because it's not, many Black women will be working during the day. Fortunately, there are multiple ways Black women can still achieve rest at work. This can include taking a real lunch away from your desk during the work day or seeking to observe the day during the weekend by scheduling a day of nothing on Saturday or Sunday.

Black women, however the National Day of Rest for Black Women looks to you, make sure it's filled with several things YOU love and look forward to. And, always remember, rest is your birthright!