Joy as Resistance: Why We Need Joy in Burnout Recovery
There’s this unspoken rule in activism, in movements for change, in times of crisis—joy should be set aside. It can feel indulgent, even inappropriate, to revel in happiness when there’s so much suffering, so much work to do. But here’s the thing: joy is not a betrayal of the struggle. It’s what sustains it, especially in burnout recovery.
In fact, joy is a radical act of defiance against the oppressive systems that try to drain our spirits and kill our hope. When we choose joy, we're basically saying that we're humans, and we deserve to thrive no matter what life throws at us.
Embracing Joy in Burnout Recovery
Resistance is long. The fight for justice, equity, and healing doesn’t wrap up neatly in a season or a news cycle. It’s lifelong work. And if we don’t give ourselves permission to feel joy—to celebrate, to rest, to dance, to love—we will burn out. The system we’re working against wants us exhausted. It wants us hopeless. It wants us to believe that the only way to be worthy is to suffer.
That's why we need to start seeing joy as a shield of love and survival, not just a distraction. Joy is actually a key part of how we stay resilient. We must actively make room for it in our everyday lives.
Joy as Resistance in Burnout Recovery
Joy is fuel. It’s vital for burnout recovery. It’s proof that a better world is possible, that love and laughter and connection exist even in the hardest times. It reminds us why we fight in the first place—not just to survive, but to create something beautiful, something whole.
Consider the moments in your life that bring you joy. Maybe it's sharing a meal with people you love, taking a walk outside, or cranking up that song that makes you smile. These aren't just little pleasant moments; they're actually recharging your batteries and giving you the energy to keep going with passion.
If you have access to joy right now, take it. Relish in it. Share it. Laugh too loud, love too big, rest without guilt. Not just because you deserve it (which you do), but because we all need it. Your joy has ripple effects. It recharges you, yes, but it also lights up the people around you.
And in a world that’s constantly trying to dim that light, keeping it alive is an act of resistance in itself. Think of joy as a beacon of hope; when we embody joy, we inspire others to seek it as well, fostering a community of support and resilience.
How to Recover from Emotional Burnout
And if you don’t have access to joy right now? That makes sense, too. This world is heavy. Sometimes joy feels far away, inaccessible. You simply feel burned out. So maybe, instead of reaching for joy, you reach for curiosity.
What’s something new you can explore, even in small ways? What soothes you? What makes you feel safe? Exploring these questions can lead you to unexpected places of comfort. Try activities like journaling, painting, or exploring a new hobby that sparks your interest. Even tiny moments of curiosity can grow into bigger feelings of joy over time.
Online Therapy for Burnout Recovery
Maybe you need space for yourself for emotional healing. How to deal with it? How to yank the pain away? Look around for community workshops, online resources, or local support groups.
There's something healing about belonging somewhere and having your experiences validated by people who get what you're going through. Building that support network lets you share your insights and journey with others who understand you.
Taking this into consideration, you can also seek online therapy for burnout recovery, like the telehealth I offer!, where you receive the LGBTQ+ affirming and emotional support you need in a safe environment.
The beautiful thing about online therapy is that it can provide a flexible and accessible way to connect you with mental health professionals and inclusive therapists who understand gender identity burnout and its effects. Regular sessions give you space to check in with yourself and your feelings while processing everything at your own pace.
Remember, you are not alone.
Joy in Self-Care for Burnout Recovery
In the end, there’s no right way to recharge. Sometimes joy looks like dancing with your friends. Sometimes it looks like sitting in silence, tending to your own tenderness. Sometimes joy is talking to an emotional support therapist. They are all necessary. They are all valid. Embrace whatever form of joy or relaxation comes your way.
If creating stuff makes you happy, make time for art or writing. If being in nature helps you breathe easier, go hiking, plant something, or just enjoy your morning coffee outside. Make your self-care truly yours by tailoring it to what you actually need.
Especially now. With everything going on, we need to acknowledge the heavy stuff we're carrying while recognizing how joy can lighten the load. Let's commit to making joy a practice—something we do deliberately every day. Take moments to reflect on what brings you joy, practice gratitude, or do things that lift your spirit. The more we nurture joy, the better we can stand against burnout and despair.
