休息 or xiū xi means “to rest” in Chinese. 

Looking at each individual word can reveal insight into what it means to rest:

  • 休 or xiū translate to “stop for a period of time”, and
  • 息 (xi) means “to take a breath”. 

Everyone rests in their own way. Some pick up the PS console while others slouch in a favorite spot to scroll through social media. But what if the Chinese are on to something? What if resting requires us to stop for a period of time? I mean, stop… everything?

When’s the last time you really stopped for a period of time and took a breath? As someone who has been going nonstop for a few months, I realized I needed to 休息. Resting isn’t working from home. It isn’t catching up on household chores. Rather, it’s about investing in self and prioritizing wellness.

So this week, give yourself permission. Stop everything and take a breath.