New York City community Club Rest Stop promotes collective rest

In New York City, a new community called ‘Club Rest Stop’ has emerged to help individuals combat burnout and the guilt often associated with resting. Founded by Mariya Simone, the group meets in parks where the primary rule is simply to lie down and rest.

Since its inception six weeks ago, the community has grown to approximately 700 members. Simone noted that many people feel hesitant or embarrassed to rest alone, fearing they are being unproductive. By resting collectively, members find a sense of security and permission to pause.

During sessions, participants engage in activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, and listening to healing music. The initiative also incorporates concepts like Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s ‘7 types of rest’ framework, which categorizes rest into physical, mental, emotional, social, and creative dimensions to address different types of exhaustion.