National Day of Rest

for Black Women

December 6
Honoring the Power, Resilience, and Rest of Black Women

About the National Day of Rest

December 6, 2024 has been designated as a National Day of Rest for Black Women—a day dedicated to honoring the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of Black women who have continuously held up communities, driven progress, and defended justice in the face of countless obstacles.

Looking at the significant role Black women play, including the 92% of Black women voters who supported Kamala Harris and other leaders striving for change, it’s clear that Black women are our country's backbone. This day of rest acknowledges the daily heavy lifting and recognizes that rest is not a luxury but essential.

Join us on December 6 as we rest our minds, bodies, spirits, and finances. This day is about reclaiming our time and focusing on self-care.

How to Observe the National Day of Rest

  • No Work

    Today is a day to step back from the demands of work, including job responsibilities and any unpaid labor. Give yourself permission to be still. If you’re able, arrange to take the day off, and if not, carve out pockets of quiet time where you can. This time is for your healing and peace.

    Suggestions:

    Practice a guided meditation focused on relaxation.

    Read a book or listen to a podcast that brings you joy or teaches you something new.

    Allow yourself moments of silence to simply breathe and exist without expectation.

  • No School

    For students and lifelong learners, let today be a break from the rigor of studies. Learning is essential, but so is rest. Today, you can give yourself the gift of taking a pause, allowing your mind to refresh and recharge.

    Suggestions:

    Spend time journaling about your dreams and aspirations.

    Engage in a creative hobby—write poetry, draw, or paint.

    Explore nature or take a walk, observing the beauty and peace around you.

  • No Spending

    Let this be a day to resist the pressures of consumerism. Black women have significant economic influence, and by taking a day to pause from spending, we can honor our worth without placing value on material things. Instead, let’s focus on what’s truly valuable: our health, rest, and connections.

    Suggestions:

    Prepare a nourishing meal at home, enjoying it mindfully.

    Share time with loved ones in conversation, laughter, or quiet companionship.

    Reflect on financial goals and create plans that center around well-being and empowerment.

Why Rest is Revolutionary

This day is sponsored by She Matters to support the Black women who uplift communities and carry the weight of progress on their shoulders. In a society that often asks too much of us, taking time to rest is a revolutionary act of self-preservation and empowerment. When we rest, we reclaim our strength and renew our spirits for the journey ahead.

Let’s make December 6 a day where Black women everywhere take a well-deserved pause.

Share this day with your sisters, spread the word, and make this a powerful annual tradition.

E-mail us what rest means to you and how you plan on participating at hello@shematters.health.

Join our mailing list to receive information about our Community Conversations that’ll be ongoing on December 6.