Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom — a recognition of the day in 1865 when the remaining 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a time to honor our ancestors, celebrate our resilience, and reflect on how we define freedom today.
But let’s be real: it’s hard to feel free when our newsfeeds are filled with stories that tell us otherwise. Freedom of speech, freedom to protest, freedom to exist safely in our bodies — all of these are under constant threat. And if you’re feeling heavy, exhausted, or even hopeless, you’re not alone.
This year has been a lot. From the emotional roller coaster of economic uncertainty to the rise of authoritarian rhetoric, ongoing violence, and the pressure to “keep going” no matter what — our nervous systems are fried. On top of all that, we still have jobs, bills, families, and responsibilities.
But here’s the truth: letting ourselves be consumed by systems we didn’t create is not liberation.
So on Juneteenth, I want to offer you another kind of freedom — the freedom to rest. Not just rest as in taking a nap (though yes, please do that too!), but rest as a radical act of healing, reflection, and reclamation. Because they can’t take this kind of freedom away. This is inner freedom: the kind that allows us to reclaim our peace, our worth, and our joy, no matter what’s happening around us.
If you’re feeling burnt out, stretched thin, or simply in need of a moment to breathe, I invite you to be intentional about rest.
5 Restorative Ways to Honor Juneteenth Through Rest
1. Unplug from the Noise
Take a break from the headlines. Give yourself permission to turn off the news, log out of social media, and step away from the noise. Silence can be a sanctuary — a place to reconnect with your own thoughts, feelings, and truths.
2. Ground Yourself in Nature
Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting under a tree, or just feeling the sun on your skin — nature reminds us of our connection to something bigger. It’s a powerful place to reflect, release, and reset.
3. Take a Midday Nap (Without Guilt)
Our bodies carry generational exhaustion. Rest is not laziness — it’s medicine. Give yourself permission to lie down, close your eyes, and let your body restore itself. You don’t need to earn your rest.
4. Practice Breathwork or Meditation
Even 5 minutes of mindful breathing can help regulate your nervous system. Try a simple practice like box breathing or a body scan to calm your mind and return to your center.
5. Journal About What Freedom Means to You
Freedom looks different for everyone. Take time to write about what it means to you — not just politically, but emotionally, spiritually, and personally. Where do you feel free? Where do you feel constrained? And what small shift could bring you more ease?
Juneteenth is about liberation — and liberation starts within.
Rest is not just a luxury. It’s a right. And it’s a revolutionary way to honor those who came before us, those fighting for freedom now, and your own well-being in the process.
So today, let your rest be your resistance. Let your rest be your reclamation.
Zee Clarke is the author of the book, Black People Breathe (Penguin Random House). She has been featured in many leading publications including ABC, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, Ebony, Essence, and Fast Company.
She is a Harvard Business School graduate who applies holistic healing practices to corporate environments. Zee leads transformative workshops on mindfulness, breathwork and stress management tools at organizations such as Google, Visa, AMC Networks and more.
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