Understanding The Importance Of Rest For Social Activists

Activists are often fiercely devoted to their causes, and it’s not uncommon for them to put their own mental health and emotional wellness on the back burner. However, social justice and activism can be draining work that may contribute to physical exhaustion and mental health challenges. Rest may enable activists to restore their energy and mental clarity and serve as a form of resistance against hustle culture. Practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, delegating tasks, leaning on the community, taking breaks, and engaging with hobbies can all be ways for activists to get adequate rest. For professional help in managing the mental health consequences that can come with this type of work, consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your local area.

What is social activism? 

Social activism can be defined as the concerted effort to bring about social change. It may encompass a broad spectrum of activities and initiatives to address and rectify societal issues and injustices. Social activists generally work to influence public opinion, policies, and practices. They can cover many realms, including environmental, political, economic, and social domains.

The essence of social activism typically lies in its commitment to challenging and transforming the status quo when it perpetuates inequality, discrimination, or injustice. Activists may use diverse methods to create awareness and drive meaningful positive change, including organizing protests and engaging in advocacy and education. They may want to ensure wrongdoers are held accountable and that justice is served. 

Activism’s toll on mental health 

While activism can be valuable work, it may come with an array of mental health consequences and negatively impact overall well-being. 

• Research shows that activism can cause fatigue, burnout, and social isolation. 
• Participating in social activism online can increase anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. 
• Activism can result in hopelessness when the desired results aren’t achieved. 
• Witnessing community violence can increase incidences of PTSD, although updated evidence may be necessary.

However, activism can also have positive impacts on mental health. Research has found that people who work together to improve society tend to be happier overall and usually experience greater life satisfaction than those who don’t. Additionally, participating in activism can improve self-esteem and improve overall well-being. However, these potential positives may not entirely counteract the negatives. 

When it comes to overcoming the burnout, fatigue, anxiety, and other mental health consequences of social activism, rest may be one of the most powerful antidotes. 

Why rest can be important for social justice 

There are several reasons why rest can be important for social justice, including those discussed below. 

1. Rest can restore the energy required for social justice 

Engaging in social justice work is often emotionally, physically, and mentally demanding. Activists frequently face challenging situations that can be draining, like confronting systemic injustices, organizing community care events, or advocating for policy changes. Without adequate rest, continuous exertion can lead to exhaustion. 

Social justice usually takes time and is often a long-term venture. Adequate rest may allow activists to recover their strength and maintain their energy. This rejuvenation can be critical for sustaining the long-term efforts required in social justice work. 

2. Rest can provide mental clarity to make thoughtful decisions

Engaging in social justice work often requires critical thinking and strategic decision-making. Research shows that losing even a few hours of sleep can hurt several cognitive processes, including attention, reasoning, learning, decision-making, and memory. 

Rest tends to play a vital role in maintaining mental clarity and focus. It may provide a necessary pause, allowing the mind to rest, process complex information, and approach problems with a fresh perspective. Consequently, well-rested activists may be more likely to make thoughtful, informed decisions that effectively address the challenges and intricacies of social justice work. 

3. Rest can combat the mental health consequences of activism

A lack of rest can increase negativity, make one less able to combat stress, and decrease positive emotions. Not getting enough rest can also contribute to several mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout – all of which can be caused by or worsened by activism. As a result, getting enough rest can play an important role in managing mental health symptoms. 

4. Rest can be a form of resistance 

In a society that often glorifies grind culture and constant productivity at the expense of well-being, choosing rest can be a radical, intentional act. For social activists, rest can serve as a form of resistance against unsustainable norms of non-stop work. It can challenge the notion that value is tied solely to output and productivity. Embracing rest as a vital component of activism can counter the relentless pace of modern life and reaffirm the importance of balance in the pursuit of social justice. 

Ways to practice rest and self-care as an activist 

While rest can be as simple as taking a nap and getting enough sleep, it can also include other restorative activities. Here are a few to consider. 

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can be a powerful way to rest and refocus. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help you achieve mindfulness. These practices can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance emotional balance, and improve concentration, providing activists with a rejuvenated mindset to continue their work. 

Set boundaries

Setting clear personal and professional boundaries can be incredibly valuable for activists. This generally involves saying no when you have too much on your plate to ensure you have enough time for rest and self-care. Solid boundaries can prevent burnout and encourage those around you to respect your well-being. 

Prioritize and delegate

When it comes to activism, there can be many avenues to take and causes for which to fight. However, it can be important to prioritize your focus and realize that you likely can’t do it alone. Try focusing on the most critical tasks and delegate the rest to other members of your community or movement. The ability to focus on your causes and not overwhelm yourself with activities can be a meaningful way to honor your needs. 

Lean on your community

Social activism often involves collective care and community support. Leaning on this community for support during challenging times can provide emotional and practical assistance. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, or simply spending time with like-minded individuals can be restorative. Having a sense of community and mutual support can be vital for sustaining long-term activism efforts. 

Take intentional breaks

Taking time to consciously step away, relax, and recharge can be crucial to your ability to continue long-term. Whether it’s a short daily break or a longer period of disconnecting, taking an intentional break may prevent burnout and help you maintain momentum for the long haul. 

Participate in hobbies

Engaging in hobbies unrelated to activism can be a form of restful self-care. Hobbies can provide a mental break and allow you to engage in something you enjoy and find relaxing. 

Rest for social activists can include getting professional help

Sometimes, activists may need professional help to manage the stresses and trauma involved in their work. Seeking support from a therapist can provide the space to process your emotions and develop strategies to cope with stress and burnout. 

Benefits of online therapy

If you’re worried about finding the time to visit a therapist due to your responsibilities, or you’re concerned you won’t find a therapist who understands your cause, online therapy might be an option worth considering. With online therapy, you can schedule appointments around your current routine and save time driving to and from an office. Additionally, online platforms like BetterHelp can help match you with a therapist who shares your values. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Additionally, research shows that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating mental health conditions associated with activism, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.