Sacred Rest: A Radical Act of Resistance in a Productivity-Obsessed World
We live in a world that glorifies hustle, productivity, and busyness. From an early age, we are conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to how much we do, how efficient we are, and how tirelessly we work. For women, this conditioning is especially insidious, as patriarchal structures have long demanded that we give of ourselves—to our families, our workplaces, and our communities—often at the expense of our well-being. But what if rest were not just a personal need, but a radical act of resistance?
Why Rest Is Radical for Women
Rest Challenges Patriarchal Conditioning
Women have historically been expected to be caretakers, nurturers, and providers of emotional labor, all while navigating professional and societal expectations. The demand to constantly be "on"—to be productive, available, and accommodating—keeps us disconnected from our bodies and true needs. Choosing to rest is a direct challenge to this system. It is a way of saying, "My value is not tied to how much I do. My well-being matters."
Rest Supports Hormonal Balance and Cyclical Living
Women’s bodies are inherently cyclical, governed by hormonal rhythms that ebb and flow throughout the month. When we push ourselves beyond our natural energy levels, we disrupt the delicate balance of our hormones. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and overworking can lead to adrenal fatigue, menstrual irregularities, and burnout. Rest allows our nervous system to regulate, our hormones to recalibrate, and our bodies to heal.
Rest Allows Us to Show Up More Fully for Ourselves and Others
When we are depleted, we cannot give from a place of fullness. Rest is essential not only for our own well-being but also for our relationships and communities. By honoring our need for rest, we model healthy boundaries, self-respect, and balance for those around us. This is especially powerful in caregiving roles—whether as mothers, partners, friends, or mentors—where our presence and energy deeply impact others.
Where Rest Lies in the Menstrual Cycle
Our menstrual cycle offers a natural blueprint for rest. Each phase of the cycle brings its own energy, and learning to align with these rhythms can transform the way we engage with work, creativity, and rest.
Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter): The bleeding phase is the most restorative time in the cycle. Energy is at its lowest, and the body craves stillness. This is a time for deep rest, reflection, and turning inward.
Follicular Phase (Inner Spring): As estrogen rises, energy begins to return. This is a time for gentle movement, creativity, and planning, but not yet full-force productivity.
Ovulatory Phase (Inner Summer): This is the peak energy phase for most women. While productivity and social engagement may feel natural here, it is important to balance this outward energy with moments of pause to prevent overstimulation and burnout.
Luteal Phase (Inner Autumn): As progesterone rises, the body begins to prepare for rest again. This is a time to slow down, prioritize self-care, and ease into a more inward state in preparation for menstruation.
Reclaiming Rest as a Sacred Practice
Rest is more than just sleep; it is a conscious practice of slowing down, of honoring our cyclical nature, of listening to the wisdom of our bodies. It can look like:
Taking a nap without guilt.
Setting boundaries around work and social obligations.
Practicing restorative yoga or meditation.
Enjoying unstructured, unscheduled time.
Engaging in menstrual rest—giving yourself permission to do less during your bleed.
In a world that tells us we must always be doing, choosing to rest is an act of defiance. It is a way of reclaiming our sovereignty, our health, and our connection to ourselves. Rest is not lazy. Rest is not unproductive. Rest is radical. And it is necessary.
Cultivating a practice of sacred rest is a rewarding journey back to prioritizing yourself and your wellbeing. As you deepen this practice, you’ll naturally unlock more ease, balance, and vitality in all areas of your life. Head to my free resources for some simple tools to get you started with cycle awareness and prioritizing YOU in a world that asks so much of women!
About Ebb & Flow: Ebb & Flow is the holistic women’s coaching practice of Emma Brinkman. Through menstrual education, women’s mentoring, ritual and somatic practice, Ebb & Flow works to connect women to the power and wisdom within their bodies, in order to live more easeful, sensual, vibrant and empowered lives. Follow along to stay up-to-date on blog posts and articles, and check out all of Emma’s offerings, which include monthly donation-based online women’s circles and custom ritual guidance for navigating life’s transitions.
