Hustle and grind are common words used amongst the Millennial and Gen Z generations as a means of encouragement. Our culture glorifies losing sleep because we often live by the saying “time is money.” Who are we if we aren’t spending every waking moment getting that bread? In our lack of rest, we end up pushing our bodies to limits that they were never meant to be pushed to. This week, Biola University is allowing students to glorify a full night’s sleep for an entire week. On the official 2020 Sleep Week webpage, Biola states, “this week, we invite you to resist the myth that college students must live sleepless lives as a rite of passage. Good sleep deeply impacts our emotional well-being, relationships, and academic success. While most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to feel rested and bring their best selves to their coursework, relationships, and other responsibilities, college students are encouraged to sleep 8-10 hours a night.”

Although college students should be prioritizing sleep more than just one week out of the school year, this week-long event is a great place to start. On top of promoting a full 8-10 hour night of sleep, Biola will be providing other restful activities for the student body. Visit the Nap Corners around campus and take a peaceful 20-minute nap in the Mosaic Cultural Center. Or indulge in a 10-minute massage in Rose Hall (available from 6-8 p.m.). Sleep is incredibly underrated amongst college students and it does not need to be this way. Sleep not only helps our brains function better, it completely recharges our bodies and improves our overall health. This week’s verse is Psalm 127:1-2, “it is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night… for God gives rest to his loved ones.”

Do not be deceived by the cultural lie that you are not valuable unless you are always on the hustle and grind. You were made to rest as much as you were made to work. Even God let Himself have the day off on the seventh day. In the words of Bob Goff, “rest is holy. Get some.” Happy Sleep Week, Biola!