Let’s face it: the idea of "rest" isn't always simple. 

In many Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian communities, rest hasn’t always been a luxury—it’s often been deprioritized or framed as laziness. Generations of systemic inequality, hustle culture, and cultural expectations have made rest feel like a guilty pleasure instead of a vital necessity. 

But the truth is: rest is revolutionary. 

Especially in the summer, when longer days invite a natural pause, communities of colour have a powerful chance to heal in ways that honour their heritage and lived experiences. For many, summer is more than a break from school or work—it’s a time for reconnection. In Indigenous communities, it may mean returning to ancestral lands, participating in cultural ceremonies, or harvesting traditional foods. 

For Latinx families, summer might revolve around multigenerational gatherings, music, and shared meals that foster a deep sense of belonging. 

For Black communities, rest can take the form of celebrating Juneteenth, practicing spiritual wellness, or simply creating space to exist joyfully, free from the weight of being "on" all the time.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford vacations or time off. 

Systemic barriers often block access to traditional forms of rest. But rest doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. It can look like morning walks, slow meals with family, afternoon naps, time in community gardens, or storytelling sessions under the stars. These practices are rooted in cultural wisdom and resilience - and they’re incredibly powerful.

Enter National Wellness Month, which was created to encourage people to focus on self-care, healthy routines, and stress management beyond physical health. The idea is to inspire sustainable lifestyle changes that improve quality of life by also taking care of our mental and emotional health.

At Tala Thrive, we prioritise our mental health care, and part of honouring this is making sure we get enough rest and relaxation for our mind, body, and soul.

Even if you don’t have the privilege of taking time off to adequately rest, these three mini tips can help you reconnect with yourself and take care of your mental health in small but powerful ways.

Embrace micro moments of rest - Try carving out short breaks throughout your day: five minutes to sit quietly with no phone, a 10-minute walk outside, or deep breaths between tasks. 

• Create a daily wind-down ritual - Light a candle, drink herbal tea, play calming music, stretch, or journal—whatever helps you shift gears into relaxation mode.

• Protect your energy by saying “no” - If you can’t take time off, start by taking time back. Be mindful of overcommitting—especially during evenings and weekends. Rest doesn’t always mean doing nothing, but it does mean being selective about where your energy goes. 

In a world that often demands productivity above all, communities of colour deserve space to simply be. 

To laugh. To breathe. To dream. 

Rest is not a reward—it’s a right. 

And when taken intentionally, it becomes a form of resistance against burnout, discrimination, and erasure.

At Tala Thrive, we connect you with culturally competent therapists and coaches who understand your culture, language and/or religion, and can help you unpack why you feel you can’t take a break or rest.

Please book your first session today at Tala Thrive and join our community to get the support you need.

Remember, we want you to thrive - mentally, physically, and emotionally - so you can start living the life you truly deserve.