Rest is a Right, Not a Privilege: Unpacking the Inequity of Self-Care in a Capitalist World

Rest is our birthright, a fundamental tool for nervous system restoration, and a superpower that fuels our well-being. However, we must acknowledge that rest has become a privilege and many cannot engage in it due to systemic inequities. While Instagram influencers preach self-care, millions are trapped in a brutal cycle of wage slavery and chronic stress.

For some, the ability to pause, recharge, and restore is a luxury they cannot afford in a world shaped by socioeconomic demands, neoliberal capitalism, racial and gender injustice, social inequalities, and so much more. For so many, the "rest and recharge" mantra is a slap in the face when working three jobs just to keep the lights on. Neoliberal capitalism has weaponized exhaustion, turning burnout into a twisted badge of honor while gaslighting us about "work-life balance."

As we reclaim rest, we must advocate for change. True well-being isn’t just about individual self-care—it’s about creating systemic solutions that make rest and healing available to all. This includes addressing the barriers that prevent people from accessing the time, space, and resources needed to restore their nervous systems.Remember, your exhaustion isn't a personal failure—it's a symptom of a f*cked-up system. Keeping us exhausted is how these systems continue to be upheld - too tired to fight back or demand change. Nervous system restoration helps keep us in for the long game...rested humans threaten these systems and we're here for it :) 

To build a more just and compassionate world, we must center social justice in our understanding of rest, advocating for workplace reforms, community support systems, and trauma-informed practices that honor everyone’s need for restoration. Together, we can create a world where rest isn’t just a privilege for some, but a right for all.

Reclaim pockets of time for you and, for more inspiration, check out Tricia Hersey, of The Nap Ministry, and her book; Rest is Resistance.

At SomaPsych, through our 20HR Intro To Trauma-Informed Practice & 300HR Trauma-Informed Trainings, we bridge the gap between nervous system restoration, rest, and social justice. We explore how rest and restoration intersect with systemic change, and how we can all become agents of transformation in our communities, workplaces, and beyond. Join us in this journey toward a more just and compassionate world, where rest becomes a right, not a privilege.

Author: Amanda Hanna, SomaPsych Founder.