Y’all, there are just some days I want to take a breather, slow down, and just rest. Sometimes that means sleep, sometimes it’s staying in pajamas all day, or just doing nothing at all. I want to, y’all. I do.
But everything in life feels like it’s "on fire," and it’s like I physically can't rest. I know it sounds weird, but that’s honestly how it feels.
And then the guilt hits. I already feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of my kids’ lives. I feel like that parent — but in reality, I’m trying my damndest. It's like my brain and I are more in battle than at peace most days.
My brain keeps yelling at me: "Finish this! Do this! Ooh, you haven't done anything substantial with your blog yet. Failure." It’s awful, y’all. If you don't have an inner critic, I’m so happy for you. It’s not fun at all.
When your brain is constantly stuck in "on" mode, it’s hard to rest. I feel like if I’m resting, I’m not being productive — and there’s always something to do. Honestly, I think some of that comes from when I used to sleep too much during deep depression phases.
But guess what? I’m working to change that. Time to slow down (or at least try). Haha. Gotta be honest with myself.
What We’ve Been Taught
It’s not easy to get out of the constant "go mode" we’ve all been shoved into.
But if we don’t rest, I feel like we’re just going to end up as those old, bitter, bickering asses, because we stayed stuck in the same chaos as generations before us.
Honestly? It’s not worth it.
Rest While in Survival Mode
I can tell y’all — if you don’t take the rest you need, your body will force it on you... and it probably won’t happen at a convenient time.
Irritability comes with being tired and burnt out. According to an article on Talkspace, “Burnout symptoms can cause exhaustion and anxiety. You may start feeling or acting more irritable, short-tempered, or downright angry. Physical symptoms are common as well. You might have gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and others may notice and comment on changes in your behavior.” (Catchings, 2022)
I’ve seen it in myself and in others. Lately, I’ve been trying to become more aware before things spiral — if that makes sense. I don’t want to be a shitty person just because I chose to overdo it and skipped resting. Accountability matters, and it’s so important to hold ourselves accountable too.
If overwhelm hits me right in the moment, I’ve started doing deep breathing exercises. I just take a good, deep breath — 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out — about 5 times. Usually by then I feel more grounded. And if not? I keep going until I do.
I’ve also been getting better at accepting that not everything on my planner's to-do list will get done every day. Some tasks take longer than expected. And that's okay. Honestly, I’m proud of myself. Considering where I was, and where I am now? I should be.
Real-Life Rest Moments
It’s still hard for me to rest. With my brain constantly buzzing, some part of me thinks I always need to be doing something.
But I’m working on slowly adding the rest I actually need into my life.
This past weekend? I took a nap. It took a lot for me to do it without getting anxious about "wasting my day." I slept for maybe two hours — and the world didn’t end.
The truth is, when I’m stuck in task paralysis or burnout, I’m not getting anything done anyway. So if I need a nap? I’m giving myself permission to take it — without guilt.
And honestly, in the last few days, I’ve noticed I’m regulating my emotions a little better. It feels nice.
Another real-life thing I do? If I feel like I need a break — from social media, from blogging, from anything — I take it.That’s why sometimes I miss a week here or there. I promise I’m trying, y’all!
Sometimes I’ll watch a movie or a show I've already seen a million times — and actually enjoy it without scrolling on my phone. There’s even an article (I’ll link it below) that talks about how comfort shows bring us, well, comfort! (Wood, 2023).
And soon? I’ll be back out on the motorcycle again, soaking up some peace and nature. I can't wait.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding your kind of rest — whatever that looks like for you. And actually doing it.
Permission Slip
Here’s your permission slip:
Sign it if you want. Frame it if you need. Rest is yours to take.
Conclusion
I hope you know I love y’all. I know rest isn’t easy for a lot of us. Life feels like one big emergency sometimes. And it seems like everyone I know is going through something.
Resting might feel hard to start — it sure was for me. But I remind myself: It’s not a waste of time. I do deserve it. I am allowed to slow down.
What’s one thing you’re doing today to rest?
And if you write yourself a permission slip, tag me over on Instagram: @shiftingthruchaos! I’d love to see it.
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