Why children of immigrants find it difficult to rest. • This past year, my husband took a day off of work for a much needed mental health/rest day. I remember returning from work that day and asking how his day was. He responded with how great it was to do absolutely nothing. I was taken aback by this - he literally didn’t do anything! I was shocked - not the dishes, not the beds or laundry, or vacuuming. I didn’t say anything but I felt a little annoyed that he was home and didn’t get a head start on all these chores. Fast forward a few months, I took a much needed mental health day off of work. That day my husband reminded me all morning - “Seriously, don’t do anything. Just rest.” I thought “okay sure” but knew I wanted to fold laundry, clean the floors and take care of some chores. But I was so mentally and physically exhausted on this day, I actually didn’t do anything. I drank my morning chai slowly, made food, ate, sat on the couch, watched my shows on Netflix and before I knew it the day was over. My husband came home with the kids and asked what I did today. I said “nothing!” - he was proud. But I felt like I had wasted the entire day, I felt guilty I hadn’t been productive and that I didn’t check things off my to-do list. However, what I noticed was that when my kids came home, I had more energy, patience, more capacity to play with them and actually enjoy it too! A day of rest actually made me a better parent, wife, human. I’m not saying one day of rest will solve all your problems but making “resting” a habit definitely will accumulate in the long run. • I realized that I truly struggle and have always struggled to rest and I know I’m not alone. Anytime I’ve taken a mental health day - I filled my day with things hoping it would either catch me up somehow, I’d fill the time with errands so I felt productive. But I never truly just did nothing or took the time to rest my body and mind. • Children of immigrants, do these resonate with you? • #Brownmamatrauma #healing #childrenofimmigrants #immigrant #bangladesh #childhoodhealing #healingjourney #mentalhealth #rest #guilt #shame #selfcare #traumahealing