My dear, have you ever stood at the stage in Nairobi at dawn and watched people rushing? The buses are full, the matatus are honking, and everyone has their bag clutched tight, eyes already tired before the day begins. That is our Nairobi. A city that never stops. A city where people are praised for how much they hustle, how many jobs they do, and how many hours they stay awake.
But let me tell you something. The human body was not made for this endless toil. Your body is not a machine. It is a living, breathing vessel, and like a vessel, it cannot pour forever without being refilled.
Nairobi’s Hustle Culture: Both a Blessing and a Burden
I admire the strength of our people. Waking up at 4 in the morning to catch the first matatu, working long hours, studying in the evenings, and taking care of families. This spirit has built businesses, educated children, and carried many households through tough times.
But, child, every blessing can also carry a burden. When the candle burns at both ends, it gives a brighter light, yes, but it finishes very quickly. That is what hustle without rest does to the body. It makes us shine for a while, but it also makes us fade too soon.
The Body Was Not Built for Constant Strain
In the old days, our ancestors lived with the rhythm of the earth. They rose with the sun and rested when it set. They had moments of work, but they also had moments of pause. Today, the phone rings at midnight, assignments are due at 2am, and some people boast of sleeping only three hours.
My child, this is not how your body was designed. When you deny it rest, you are denying it the very medicine it needs. Rest is not laziness. Rest is wisdom.
What Happens When We Refuse to Rest
The body has its way of speaking. When you push it too much, it whispers, “I am tired.” That whisper may sound like headaches, constant yawning, or snapping at the smallest things. If you still do not listen, the whispers become louder. Your immunity weakens, you fall sick often, your mind feels foggy, and your energy disappears.
In trying to gain more hours, you end up losing your health. Tell me, is that really a gain?
Rest as Medicine
Modern science now proves what our grandmothers always knew.
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Sleep is when the body repairs itself. While you are dreaming, your cells are healing, your hormones are balancing, and your memory is storing.
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Quiet moments in prayer, meditation, or even sitting silently under a tree calm the heart and lower stress.
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Little pauses of just ten minutes during a busy day can refresh your focus and make you more productive.
There is a saying: “You cannot fill from an empty calabash.” When you are empty, no matter how hard you try, you cannot pour love, work, or energy into others.
How to Rest in a City That Never Sleeps
You may be wondering, “But Mama, how do I rest when Nairobi is always moving?” Here are a few gentle ways:
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Guard your evenings. Put away the screens, light a candle, read a book, or talk with loved ones.
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Take small pauses at work. Step outside, breathe deeply, sip some water.
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Choose one day, or even half a day a week, to slow down. Call it your Sabbath. Use it for rest, not errands.
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Listen to your body. If it asks for a nap, take it. If it wants stillness, sit.
Rest is not always about sleeping. Sometimes it is about doing nothing and letting that nothing heal you.
Choosing Wholeness Over Endless Hustle
My dear, Nairobi’s hustle has given us many victories. But dreams cannot stand without dreamers who are healthy and whole. Rest is not a thief of time. It is a giver of strength.
So listen carefully. The body whispers when it is tired. If you ignore the whisper, it will one day shout in sickness. Do not wait for that shout. Rest now. Let your rest be medicine.
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