In a world that praises productivity above all else, women are expected to juggle careers, family, friendships, activism, and self-care—all while being told that they aren’t doing enough. Feminism has long fought for women’s right to work, to lead, to earn equal pay. But there’s another battle we need to fight: the right to rest.

The “Superwoman” Trap

Women are constantly bombarded with messages telling them they need to do more. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, raising children perfectly, or being the ultimate “girlboss,” the pressure never ends. But this expectation of endless productivity isn’t just overwhelming—it’s oppressive.

Capitalism and patriarchy thrive on exhausted women. When we’re overworked, we’re too tired to fight for change. When we’re sleep-deprived, we’re easier to control. The glorification of “hustle culture” convinces women that rest is laziness, when in reality, it’s a form of resistance.

Feminist Rest is Revolutionary

Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Women, especially women of color, are expected to be the caretakers of everyone around them, often at the expense of their own well-being. Choosing rest is choosing yourself.

Historically, women’s unpaid labor—domestic work, emotional labor, caregiving—has been dismissed as “natural” instead of recognized as actual work. The expectation that women should be available 24/7 is an extension of that erasure. But when women reclaim their time, they challenge the systems that seek to drain them.

How to Embrace Rest Without Guilt

  • Set Boundaries: Saying no is a feminist act. Protect your time, energy, and peace.
  • Unlearn Productivity Guilt: You don’t need to “earn” rest. You deserve it.
  • Celebrate Slow Living: Enjoy moments of stillness without the pressure to always be achieving.
  • Normalize Breaks in Activism: You don’t have to be on the frontlines 24/7 to make a difference. Rest fuels sustainable change.

Feminism isn’t just about the right to work—it’s also about the right to rest. When women choose to slow down, we disrupt a system that relies on our exhaustion. Let’s redefine success to include rest, joy, and peace.

Because a well-rested woman is a powerful woman.