Rest as Resistance: Embracing Restorative Practices for Black Women in Today’s Political Climate

In the current socio-political landscape of the United States, Black women often find themselves at the intersection of multiple systemic challenges. The relentless demands of activism, professional responsibilities, and personal commitments can lead to profound exhaustion. Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry and author of Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto, advocates for rest as a form of resistance against the oppressive systems that devalue and exploit Black bodies. She asserts that rest is not a luxury but a divine right and a necessary component of liberation.

The Significance of Restorative Rest

Restorative rest is a profound, intentional practice that allows the body and mind to rejuvenate, countering the detrimental effects of chronic stress. Engaging in deep rest activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This activation shifts the body away from the “fight or flight” response governed by the sympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, reducing stress hormones, and facilitating healing processes.

Benefits to the Nervous System During Stressful Times

Chronic stress can lead to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, resulting in heightened anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and a weakened immune response. Incorporating restorative rest practices helps to:

• Regulate Stress Responses: Deep rest calms the nervous system, diminishing the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
• Enhance Cognitive Function: Adequate rest supports memory consolidation and improves decision-making abilities.
• Strengthen Immune Function: Restorative practices bolster the immune system, making the body more resilient to illnesses.

Practical Tips for Restorative Rest, Radical Acceptance, and Boundary Setting

1. Prioritize Rest Without Guilt:
   • Scheduled Downtime: Intentionally allocate time for rest in your daily routine, viewing it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
   • Mindful Practices: Engage in activities such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or restorative yoga to promote relaxation. Embrace Radical Acceptance:
2. • Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize and accept your physical and emotional limits without self-judgment. Understand that rest is a valid and necessary response to fatigue.
   • Release Perfectionism: Let go of the need to meet unrealistic standards. Accepting imperfection can alleviate unnecessary stress and create space for rest.
3. Establish and Maintain Boundaries:
   • Communicate Needs Clearly: Articulate your need for rest to family, friends, and colleagues. Clear communication helps set expectations and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.
   • Learn to Say No: Understand that declining additional responsibilities is a form of self-care. Saying no allows you to honor your capacity and prioritize your well-being.
   • Limit Exposure to Stressors: Be mindful of media consumption and social interactions that may be draining. Curate your environment to support a restful state of mind.

Incorporating restorative rest into daily life is a powerful act of resistance against systems that demand constant productivity at the expense of well-being. By embracing rest, practicing radical acceptance, and setting firm boundaries, Black women can nurture their health, affirm their humanity, and sustain their contributions to their communities and the broader movement toward justice.

For a deeper exploration of rest as a transformative practice, consider reading Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto.

Remember, rest is not idleness; it is a reclaiming of power and a necessary foundation for resilience and liberation.