In the midst of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and end-of-year deadlines, the holiday season often brings with it a frenetic energy that can be particularly challenging for members of the Mad and Crip community. The societal pressure to be constantly productive, cheerful, and social can exacerbate existing mental health challenges and physical limitations. This post explores the importance of rest during the holidays and offers strategies for embracing stillness in a season that often glorifies busyness.
I (Amy) am very sensitive to sound, lights, car rides, alcohol, a lot of people...basically the entire holiday season! I need to make sure I take care of myself as if I don't my migraines will flare up with a vengeance. I want to take some time in this post to talk about ways we can take care of ourselves during this very busy season.
The Cultural Context of Holiday Hustle
The holiday season in many cultures is characterized by increased social obligations, consumer activities, and expectations of high energy and positivity. This cultural narrative can be especially difficult for individuals with mental health challenges or disabilities. The pressure to conform to these expectations can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy.
Dr. Devon Price, author of "Laziness Does Not Exist," argues that "The pressure to always be working or pursuing productivity... is a form of internalized capitalism."[1] This pressure is often intensified during the holidays, making rest not just a personal need but a form of resistance against harmful societal norms.
In the context of Mad Studies and Crip Theory, choosing to rest can be seen as a radical act of self-care and political resistance. By prioritizing rest, individuals assert their right to exist and thrive outside of capitalist notions of productivity and worth. Indeed, resting during the holidays can be a powerful statement about the value of diverse body-minds in a society that prioritizes constant activity.
Strategies for Embracing Rest
1. Set Clear Boundaries: It's okay to decline invitations or limit time at social gatherings. Communicate your needs clearly to friends and family.
2. Create Restful Spaces: Designate areas in your home for quiet reflection, free from holiday decorations and reminders of tasks.
3. Practice Mindful Rest: Engage in activities that promote stillness, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
4. Redefine Productivity: Recognize that rest is a productive activity. It allows for mental and physical recuperation, which is essential for overall well-being.
5. Embrace 'Do Nothing' Time: Allow yourself periods of unstructured time without the pressure to fill it with activities or achievements.
6. Use Assistive Devices Unapologetically: If you use mobility aids or other assistive devices, use them to conserve energy for the activities that matter most to you.
Navigating Family and Social Expectations
For many, the greatest challenge in prioritizing rest comes from family and social expectations. Here are some strategies for navigating these pressures:
- Educate Loved Ones: Share information about your needs and the importance of rest in managing your health.
- Plan Rest Breaks: When attending events, plan for regular rest breaks and quiet time. Communicate this need in advance.
- Create New Traditions: Suggest low-key activities that allow for rest and quiet enjoyment, like a family movie night or a gentle nature walk.
The Intersection of Rest and Mad Pride
The concept of Mad Pride emphasizes the value and validity of diverse mental states and experiences. Resting during the holidays can be an expression of Mad Pride, acknowledging and honouring one's unique needs and rhythms. Dr. Rachel Gorman, a Critical Disability Studies scholar, notes that "Rest is a form of resistance in a world that demands our labour and conformity."[2] By choosing rest, we in the Mad and Crip community assert our right to exist on our own terms, challenging ableist and sanist expectations of constant productivity and social engagement.
Rethinking New Year's Resolutions
As the year draws to a close, there's often pressure to set ambitious goals for the coming year. Instead, consider setting intentions around rest and self-care. Some ideas include:
- Committing to a regular rest schedule
- Learning to say 'no' more often to preserve energy and spoons
- Exploring new forms of restful activities that bring joy and peace
Conclusion
In a society that often equates worth with productivity, choosing to rest during the holiday season is a radical act of self-compassion. For members of the Mad and Crip community, it's an opportunity to honour one's needs, challenge harmful societal norms, and redefine what it means to celebrate and connect. As the holiday season unfolds, may you feel empowered to embrace rest, to find moments of stillness amidst the festive chaos, and to celebrate the radical act of simply being. In doing so, a path is paved not just for personal well-being, but for a more inclusive and compassionate world that recognizes the inherent value and beauty of all body-minds.
[1] Devon Price, Laziness Does Not Exist (New York: Atria Books, 2020).
[2] Rachel Gorman, "Thinking Through Race, Class, and Mad Identity Politics," in Mad Matters: A Critical Reader in Canadian Mad Studies, ed. Brenda A. LeFrançois, Robert Menzies, and Geoffrey Reaume (Toronto: Canadian Scholars' Press, 2013), 269-280.
Comments