In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to rest often feels like an impossible luxury.
Yet according to health advocate Dr. ShantaQuilette Develle, rest isn’t just a break from daily demands — it’s a foundational practice that keeps our minds and bodies healthy.
Speaking from experience, Dr. Develle recently shared insights on her Instagram about how two strokes and a heart attack transformed her view of wellness.
“Rest is truly the flex in life. It’s rest over resilience,” she said in a powerful video message, adding that hustle culture shouldn’t overshadow the need to pause.
To reclaim rest in your life, even during challenging times, Dr. Develle suggests a few small but impactful steps:
- Micro-breaks: Take five-minute breaks to breathe, stretch, or simply close your eyes. These brief pauses help recharge your energy, even during a busy day.
- Prioritize sleep as self-care: Quality sleep is essential for restoring both mind and body. Unwind with calming activities like reading or listening to soft music to prepare for a restful night.
- Delegate and simplify: Ask for help and let go of non-essential tasks. Slowing down where possible allows for more restorative rest.
- Establish a rest ritual: Consider a nightly practice like sipping tea, journaling, or meditating to signal to your body and mind that it’s time to unwind.
Dr. Develle’s message serves as a reminder that rest isn’t a privilege; it’s a necessity. She says:
“The most courageous thing you can do for your body is take a pause. Resting is about reconnecting, realigning, refocusing, and rebuilding.”
Without proper rest, we risk exhaustion, mood changes, lowered immunity, and ultimately burnout.
“Normalize saying, ‘I can’t do it today. I won’t do it today,’” she urged.
For Dr. Develle, choosing rest is about prioritizing health, and it’s a form of self-care everyone deserves.
