Rest is an act of placing your well-being at the center—a radical and intentional step toward maintaining your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. By going against capitalist systems and the perception of women as tools for productivity, you turn rest into a political act, reclaiming your sovereignty and embracing the need to sometimes be “unproductive.”
For years, we’ve been told that rest (especially in summer) is only valuable and real if it happens by the seaside—a capitalist illusion linking rest to money, luxury, and being far from home. But who says that simple joys, small steps, and warm memories can’t count as rest?
Here are 7 feminist ways to spend your vacation that will help you truly enjoy rest and its lasting effects:
1․ Allow Yourself to Do Nothing
Rest doesn’t have to be “productive.” Did you know how much your brain and mind can reset just by lying down, staring at the wall, or closing your eyes? That “doing nothing” is often exactly what your body needs to recharge and process your feelings and thoughts. Rest shouldn’t be measured by accomplishments, but by the peace it brings to your mind.
And if your only plan for the day is lying in bed at home—free of social obligations or to-do lists—then you are practicing full self-care. Trust us, your body will be immensely grateful.
2․ Get to Know Yourself and Your Emotions Better
How well do you know yourself? Vacation is a perfect time to explore this question, to try new things and make discoveries you may never have imagined.
Rest creates space for you to connect with yourself without expectations or pressure. Emotions are signals—just like physical pain, they let you know what’s going on inside.
When you understand your emotions, you learn to live in alignment with your needs—not by hiding or avoiding them, but by listening to what they’re trying to say. Journaling, walking alone, or simply asking yourself “What am I feeling right now?” and “What’s causing this emotion?” can help you gradually understand your needs, what’s weighing on you, and what brings you true balance․
3․ Have Warm Conversations with Loved Ones
Be honest—how many times have you canceled or postponed time with your loved ones because of your busy work schedule? Then you already know what Tip #3 is.
Genuine and warm human connection is a powerful source of rest. It not only calms the mind and emotions but also reminds us that we weren’t made just to work and fulfill obligations. We are human beings—with a deep need for connection, warmth, and to be heard. Try to set aside time just for these interactions—without rushing or constantly checking your phone. Share something that made you happy, and listen deeply to the other person. Sometimes, rest simply means being where you feel loved.
4․ Make That Recipe You’ve Been Saving
How many saved videos or recipes do you have—ones you watched, imagined the taste of, got inspired by, saved, and then forgot about?
Rest is also a creative process, so let your vacation be a time to experiment with food and treat your taste buds to something new and enjoyable. This experience promises a wave of self-discovery and fun, because remember—you’re not cooking out of obligation but enjoying flavors, trying things you haven’t before. Cooking can become a meditative practice—a time to disconnect from work, from social media’s “perfect” content, and from others’ expectations.
5․ Make Physical Activity a Source of Rest
When we say “rest,” many of us imagine lying still or doing nothing—but movement can be just as relaxing.
Walking, dancing, or simply activating your body helps release accumulated stress. Physical activity helps restore your connection with your body and makes you feel alive and present.
This doesn’t have to involve pressure—it’s not “working out for a better body,” but moving for joy, for feeling, and for being with yourself.
Try taking a slow walk while listening to music, dancing at home for no reason (try it once—it may become a habit), or doing light stretching to feel how your muscles respond.
6․ Spend Rest Time in Culture
Do you know if there are interesting places or museums in your community or nearby that you’ve never visited—or haven’t seen since your school days?
Visiting a museum, browsing books in a bookstore, watching a movie outdoors, or even just enjoying a good series or film can bring deep mental peace.
Cultural rest helps you step away from daily stress while nourishing your imagination. It doesn’t require much energy but provides fresh inspiration.
7․ Clear the Extra Noise from Your Daily Life
Yes, lying down and scrolling through Instagram can sometimes help “turn off” your mind and forget about work or worries. And often, that’s exactly what we need. But it’s important to be conscious of how much time we spend on social media and how it affects us.
Endless information, overwhelming comparisons, rapid-fire videos and images, and constant engagement can leave you more exhausted than before you opened Instagram. Try setting aside digital detox time—turn off notifications, schedule specific hours for social media, or simply leave your phone in another room for a few hours. Dedicate that time to the kind of rest that truly gives you energy and helps you understand your emotions, needs, and desires.
And finally, a reminder:
You don’t have to wait for your one annual vacation to give yourself rest or to start thinking about self-care and feeling good.
Make what matters to you and your body a daily habit. Rest begins with small decisions—sleeping a bit more, not answering that irritating call, or not criticizing yourself for doing nothing.
We wish a peaceful rest to those who are already relaxing, those who are preparing for it, and even those still working. May rest find you.
