When in Doubt, Lie Down
3 min
Artist: Noah Davis, Untitled (2015)
Last week, I noticed something unusual about my Baba—his usually cheerful spirit seemed dimmed. Anyone who knows him understands that his usual disposition is playful and light-hearted yet serious, so when I sensed a gloominess in his mood, I had to ask. He assured me he was fine.
A week later, during a phone call, I was relieved to hear that his spirits had lifted. "Baba, I'm happy to hear you're feeling better," I said. His reply was simple yet profound: "Mama, when I'm down, I just lie down, and that's what I did. Sometimes I go to the park too, which makes all the difference."
In that moment, my 70-year-old Baba revealed a timeless truth about self-care—rest and time in nature are potent healers. His words made me reflect on how often we overlook the power of rest in our own lives. We live in a world that glorifies busyness, but rest is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Physically, rest reduces stress, boosts our immune system, and allows our bodies to recover. Mentally, it enhances clarity, improves memory, and sparks creativity. Emotionally, rest helps us regulate our moods and manage life's challenges with resilience. In these moments of stillness, we reconnect with ourselves, practice self-care, and gain the strength to move forward.
As I listened to my Baba's gentle wisdom, I realized that his simple approach to life contained a lesson for all of us: sometimes, rest is the most profound act of self-care we can offer ourselves. "Baba, I'm happy to hear you sound good again," I told him, and I meant it in more ways than one.
Over the years, I’ve been prioritizing carving time for rest. I take my full-hour lunch break. This means not being at my desk, not in a meeting, or eating while working. Whether at the office or working from home, I step away from my computer when noon strikes. This hour is a sacred time for me. I have it blocked off on my calendar, and I don't respond to work calls or emails. The important thing for me isn't the meal itself but honoring the break I deserve. I have carved out this time to breathe fresh air, find comfort in a loved one's voice, listen to a podcast, journal, meditate, move my body, or even nap. By ditching the deskside dining, I can increase blood flow, clear my mind, and bring balance to my day, which boosts my mood and keeps me inspired when I return to work.
I want to continue to encourage us to be intentional about carving time for ourselves. Many things are competing for our attention, but prioritizing ourselves is also essential. We are worth our own time and energy. Let’s take a critical look at our calendars and carve out time for rest and self-care. The invitation isn’t to schedule something we hope might happen, but something we can commit to. Let’s be open, honest, and non-judgmental about how we can better care for ourselves. Open your calendar and ask yourself: What can I truly commit to that will allow me to check in with myself and offer myself some care at the moment? Whether it’s a walk, journaling in bed, a conversation with a friend who makes you laugh, or a long bath—pencil it in and make rest a steady practice.
In the same way, Baba found peace in rest and nature, we too can find solace by intentionally creating space for ourselves. Let’s honor the wisdom in simple acts of care and make rest a priority in our lives.
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