Introduction
A few years back, we sent out the original version of this newsletter. Instead of our typical mid-month issue focusing on a recent read, we wanted to update the issue and resend—because unfortunately, the topic is just as timely. There’s a lot happening in the world right now. But making time for ourselves, especially by way of reading, can help us rest, recoup, and ultimately keep our activism work going.
[Please note: This issue contains references to current events, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, anti LGBTQIA+ legislation, abortion rights, white supremacy, and more.]
Between the ongoing genocide in Gaza; an ever-increasing wave of anti LGBTQIA+ legislation; further limits and challenges to reproductive justice; the crises in Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo; and more, it feels like the world is in overdrive. Caring for our mental health is as important as ever, and reading is a powerful way to do so.
Rest is extremely important. And as the world continues to spiral, we may be tempted to keep pushing forward. But taking a moment for ourselves is critical. In this newsletter, we’ll be diving into the scientific benefits linked to reading and other bookish ways to unwind.
A Deeper Look
“Practicing Rest as Resistance” by Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn pulls from multiple scientific studies and rest experts about the critical need for rest, particularly for those who are fighting for social justice. “When we insist that the body must always perform; that the body must always produce—it’s that logic that shaves time off our lives. It’s important just on a biological level to understand rest is a part of what it means to be alive,” says Prentis Hemphill, founder of The Embodiment Institute. Particularly for individuals from historically excluded communities, rest is a form of social activism in itself—“rest disrupts and pushes back and allows space for healing, for invention, for us to be more human. It’ll allow us to imagine this new world that we want, this new world that’s liberated, that’s full of justice, that’s a foundation for us to really, truly live our lives,” says Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry.
Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress up to 68%. Books can increase positive feelings about the self and external ongoings, and have been shown to aid depression. Not to mention that reading before bed is proven to help your body wind down and sleep better.
There’s also the benefit of increased emotional resonance and compassion. For example, when you read about a problematic issue, you’re more likely to want to take action to fight it (theSkimm’s Pop Cultured 2022 episode “Meming Through the War in Ukraine” touches on this. Sharing memes is neither a sound nor advisable way to learn about or share information on a conflict—they can lead to bounds of misinformation and problematic depictions. However, this episode discusses research that shows how people who read memes about an issue are more likely to take another step to combat that issue, such as sign a petition). Or, if you read about a certain character trait, you’re more likely to understand how you might interact with that trait in real life. “Meaning-making,” which Dr. Christine Blasey Ford describes in an interview with The Meteor as “people chang[ing] their emotions and cognitions based on hearing or viewing someone else's experience,” also plays a role. These might not immediately sound like mental health benefits, but definitely can decrease our stress levels by way of helping us feel more in control, or more certain about how we plan to react.
Ways to Respond
So, what are some bookish ways to find respite?
Of course, reading. In need of more book recommendations? We rounded up our most-anticipated reads for this spring.
On nice days, almost nothing feels better than taking a long walk to a favorite (or new and unexplored) bookstore. Check out these posts featuring our favorite routes in cities we’ve explored:
What are your favorite bookstores, cafes, and walking route combinations?
To find other bookstores near you, check out these roundups of Black-owned, API-owned, disabled-owned, LGBTQIA+ owned, Indigenous-owned, and Latine-owned bookstores and more to support, as well as this post on conscious consumerism and shopping locally.
And, when you’re ready once again to take action, here are some tools:
Continue to push for Palestinian liberation by pressuring political representatives and raising awareness.
Ways to get involved, as well as educational resources, can be found in this prior newsletter issue.
Palestinian liberation is an intersectional feminist issue. This podcast episode from Reveal News on reproductive care during the genocide showcases just one aspect as to why. (You can also donate to this GoFundMe started by the woman centered in the episode.)
PEN America, an organization that claims to be committed to protecting free speech around the globe, has acted horrifically and hypocritically towards Palestinian artists, authors, and journalists (more on that here and here). Continue to call them out on social media to do better.
Politicians, parental and religious groups, and parents continue to try and remove and/or limit critical care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly trans rights.
Amplify, follow, and support journalists who are meticulously reporting on the bills being passed, such as @ErinInTheMorning.
Know your political reps’ stances on LGBTQIA+ rights, and vote accordingly. Contact your reps in favor of LGBTQIA+ rights.
Donate and/or volunteer for mutual aid organizations in your area, and in battle ground areas.
Continue to amplify trans authors and artists, supporting them financially when you can.
Book bans are just one part of a larger picture to create a more homogenous world that serves the few instead of the many. Here are resources to take action—particularly (and especially) in your local community.
Reproductive justice continues to be at stake in the U.S., as the Supreme Court currently debates the distribution of mifepristone, Arizona reinstates an abortion ban from 1864, and we continue to experience the impact of the reversal of Roe v Wade.
Know your politicians and candidates’ views and the actions they tend to take. Vote accordingly.
Donate and/or volunteer for abortion networks and funds, particularly those committed to helping those in areas facing bans, those from LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and those who can’t afford care (and all it entails) themselves.
Final Musings
We hope that this newsletter has helped further encourage you to take time to recoup to best take action against ongoing injustices and inequities. If you have other tips or advice, please do share them in the comments.
We’ll be back next week with our end of month issue, looking at all things indie bookstores (PSA: Save the date for April 27, Indie Bookstore Day). We also offer free downloads (wallpapers, templates, and more), and our exclusive downloads for newsletter subscribers (with password newsletterdownloads). If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch via email, the comments below, or Instagram DM.
Xx,
ad astra