Episode 8: Beyond Burnout: The Social & Cultural Barriers to Rest and How to Overcome Them (feat. Jonathan Santos Silva)

Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But why do so many educators struggle to embrace it? 

In this powerful episode of the Restful Teacher® Challenge, Michelle Singh sits down with Jonathan Santos Silva, founder of The Liber Institute, to explore how rest and joy are essential to sustaining long-term impact in education. Jonathan shares his journey as an educator, leader, and father, breaking down the cultural and systemic barriers that make rest feel unnatural for many—especially for Black and Brown educators. He unpacks the historical roots of workaholism, the importance of reclaiming rest as an act of self-preservation, and simple, sustainable strategies for integrating restful practices into your daily routine. 

🎧 Tune in to discover: 

✅ Why rest is often seen as "unproductive"—and why that belief is wrong 

✅ How to cultivate joy by embedding small moments of rest into your workday 

✅ The difference between boundaries and balance—and how to make both work for you 

✅ Why nature, movement, and sensory cues (like scents and sounds) can transform your energy 

✅ The power of social rest and why community matters in sustaining well-being 

✅ How historical trauma influences our resistance to rest—and how to reclaim it 

💡 Key Takeaway: Rest is an act of resistance. It is not selfish—it’s essential to showing up fully for yourself, your students, and your loved ones. 

📌 Action Step: Identify one joyful rest practice you can incorporate today—whether it’s a sensory reset, a walk in nature, or a quick breathing exercise. Share your practice in the community and let’s make rest a movement!