Rest is Also Impact for Change-Makers

 A while ago, I met a designer around my age. He had worked in the corporate sector before transitioning into the social impact field. Right before leaving his corporate job, he experienced severe burnout and ended up walking away from everything. Listening to his story brought back memories of my own past.

 

I have worked in the media industry for over fifteen years. Moving from my hometown to Seoul to pursue my career meant that even when times were tough, I rarely had people nearby to open up to. With work taking up most of my energy, a glass of beer after work was my only form of rest—though I no longer drink alcohol today.

 

Working under such relentless pressure, I faced burnout multiple times. There were mornings when simply waking up, washing my face, and changing clothes felt overwhelmingly difficult, let alone commuting. Yet, I pushed myself to go to work every single day. On some days, I found myself crying uncontrollably the moment I stepped out of my front door, walking to the subway without even understanding why. Naturally, I couldn't focus on my tasks, and words from my supervisor and colleagues flew right past me. A coworker from that time later told me that I looked dangerously close to breaking down.

 

Looking back, it was all because I lacked true, restorative rest. Every time I barely held on until resigning, my body physically broke down right after. In one case, I needed surgery; in another, severe exhaustion kept me bedridden at home for weeks.

 

When I opened my eyes this morning, my entire body felt sore, as if I had been beaten. My energy was depleted, and my body felt immensely heavy. I instantly recognized the signal: I needed to rest as much as possible over the next few days.

 

Covering the social impact field over the years, I have met countless people who wished they could split their bodies in two to get more done. "We must solve this problem quickly," or "We need to help more people"—these are the phrases I hear constantly. Throughout my career as a journalist, and even now, I have spent my days researching data, reading, interviewing practitioners, and writing to share stories of change-makers striving for a better world. I, too, moved briskly every day, believing that our society could indeed change.

 

However, on days like today when my health drops, memories of past burnout resurface. I am reminded that while impactful projects and noble missions are vital, nothing can endure if the mind and body behind them crumble. I constantly remind myself of the saying: "If you want to go far, go slowly. If you rush and overexert yourself, you might not reach your destination at all.“

 

We frequently talk about 'sustainability,' but often limit the conversation to the environment, social systems, or organizational finances. Yet, the most fundamental and crucial form of sustainability is individual sustainability. Achieving social missions and creating social value cannot be entirely replaced by machines or artificial intelligence. Therefore, the well-being and sustainability of organization members must be prioritized.

 

Taking proper rest when needed, listening closely to your body's signals, and stopping briefly to recharge energy is neither laziness nor a retreat. Rather, it is the most proactive form of social impact—ensuring that we can continue creating healthy social value for the long haul.

 

To change-makers around the world who are running themselves into the ground at this very moment: I sincerely hope you take the time to care for yourselves so that you can continue your meaningful work for a long time to come.

 

I hope your body and mind stay healthy and peaceful today.🌸