The new year has roared its way in, and we’re almost at the end of January. But along with its arrival comes the weight of setting timely resolutions, starting anew and seeking self-improvement. Under the guise of renewal, we are pressured to succumb to capitalist-driven expectations.
Black and POC Canadians have unique experiences to overcome every day. These emotions are always prevalent and may be more at the forefront at the beginning of a new year. Looking through an anti-oppressive lens, we are burdened with maneuvering through many hurdles daily. From structural and systemic inequalities, exclusion and systematic oppression to how others perceive us—it can all take a significant toll on our mental health.
To flip the perspective on an axis, we can reframe January as a time to reset. Instead of seeking unrealistic pathways to a ‘better you,’ why not embrace the new month as a time for intentionality, reflection and downtime? Whether we rest or heal, use the time as resistance against oppressive systems. Reclaiming and reframing our time to fit our perspective can be the first step in starting the year right.
The historical significance of labour exploitation
Racialized Canadians understand the historical significance of being overworked and exploited. The defying act of rest and resistance dates back to slavery when Africans were kidnapped and held captive against their will. They were subjugated to physical and emotional abuse and racist labour exploitation working in fields or various laboured jobs for hours without rest or compensation. Enslaved people were subjected to an oppressive way of life, including substantial discrimination. Also, either post-war or upon arrival to Canada, POC has a history dating back to internment or concentration camps. POC were denied their civil liberties and exploited to work on grand labour projects with horrific treatment, discrimination, no medical aid and minimal to no pay.
Exploited racialized labour continues today. Because of institutional inequalities, societal responses are entrenched in how we manoeuvre now. The systems in play are rooted in the structural and systemic inequalities that have been timeworn since the early 1900s. Deeply entrenched in Canadian laws and ways of life, acts of prejudiced treatment and oppression rear themselves in the BIPOC community. The disparities in unemployment, education, and justice are notable to this day.
Rest as rebellion and liberation
We are being fed the hyperbole of grindin’ and working until the wheels fall off. However, learning to receive and understand that rest is a rebellious act, brings us closer to a form of self-liberation. Rest allows us to break free from hyper-productivity. It’s a way to fight back against the embedded structural and systemic inequalities that taught us to believe if we’re not producing, we’re not worthy.
In an interview with CBC Radio, Tricia Hersey, author of Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto and the popular movement The Nap Ministry stated, “And so one of the main tenets of the work is that rest is resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy, and that’s what we are attempting to do in small ways and large ways, really intimate and vulnerable ways and ways that are full of agency and autonomy for ourselves.”
Maintaining rest and resistance allows the BIPOC community to simply ‘be.’ Push back against the status quo and pave the way for ease and relaxation to retaliate against the capitalist machine. It’s a calling to remind us that we’re human, we are here, and we too, need rest.
Embracing practical rest practices
Rest should be embraced as a spiritual, healing experience. Amid an overworked and weary society, we should all be in favour of welcoming moments of stillness. Rest relaxes the mind and destresses your nervous system. Varied exercises can help lower fatigue, lessen anger and frustration and improve focus and mood. While setting boundaries with your family and friends may be another key factor to review. There are many ways to incorporate restful occasions into our schedules. Here are a few outlets that can help you find some quiet time when you need it most.
Meditation: Meditation practices calming of the mind, body and spirit. It helps to improve brain function. Of the many positive effects, the standout ones include stress reduction, emotional health support and improved sleep. On the beneficial side—all meditational effects help to boost the positive and reduce the negative.
Boundaries: Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries at work and in your personal life can save you from many unwanted pressures. Setting boundaries with your family and other relationships can make way for an increase in overall well-being. It’s an act of self-love that must be adhered to for it to work. The results are a definite plus for you in the long run.
Taking a break: We’re looking to prevent burnout and increase rest time, and taking breaks is essential in doing so. Our bodies will benefit from short term restorative energy. Breaks allow for a time to reboot during productivity. Improve upon your physical and mental health, by restoring your mood and motivation and reducing stress. Taking breaks whenever you can just may be exactly what your mind and body need throughout the day.
Bero, Tayo. ‘The Nap Bishop’ explains why rest is a form of radical resistance. (Toronto, CBC Radio 2023).
