In a society that often equates worth with productivity, choosing to rest can feel like rebellion. As we recognize Labor Day, a holiday originally created to honor the contributions of American workers, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what it means to reclaim rest, restore balance, and resist burnout.
At TheraHeal, we believe rest is not only deserved – it’s essential to mental wellness.
Labor Day has its roots in the late 19th century, during a time when the average American worked 12-hour days, seven days a week — often under unsafe and exploitative conditions. The holiday emerged from the labor movement, which sought to protect workers’ rights and dignity.
While several figures played roles in its establishment, two names stand out:
After years of advocacy, protest, and even violence — including the 1894 Pullman Strike, where federal troops clashed with striking railroad workers — Labor Day was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland later that same year as a national holiday.
Originally rooted in labor unions and blue-collar industries, Labor Day has evolved — but the call for balance, dignity, and protection of the worker remains as relevant as ever.
Modern hustle culture glorifies doing more, being everywhere, saying yes — until there’s nothing left to give. But the human mind and body aren’t designed to operate on overdrive.
Chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout are all-too-common experiences in today’s world. They’re not personal failures — they’re warning signs.
Rest is a form of self-regulation. It allows the nervous system to recalibrate, for emotions to settle, and for us to reconnect with who we are beyond our productivity.
Boundaries Are a Healing Practice
Setting boundaries is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health — especially if you’ve been socialized to feel guilty about saying no.
Labor Day offers a moment to reflect on the labor you give — not just to your employer, but to your family, community, and even your inner critic.
Boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re bridges to self-respect.
Work-life balance isn’t just about shorter hours or taking breaks — though those are good starts. It’s about creating a rhythm that honors your full humanity.
That rhythm might look like:
Work-life balance is about integrating your needs, not just separating your time.
Especially for Black, Brown, immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQ+ communities, rest can be a radical act of survival and empowerment. Activist and founder of The Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey, reminds us:
“We will rest. We will resist. We will imagine.”
You don’t need to earn rest. You’re already worthy of it.
If you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or burnout, therapy can help. Together, we can untangle the beliefs that keep you stuck in over-functioning and guide you toward a more sustainable, soul-honoring life.
Throughout September, we’re leaning into the themes of Hope and Prevention with these upcoming posts: