Learning to Rest Without Guilt


Somewhere along the way, rest started to feel like a luxury instead of a necessity. We live in a culture that pushes us to stay busy, to produce more, to always be “on.” Even when we have a free afternoon or a quiet morning, that little voice sneaks in: “You should be doing something. You're wasting time.”

I know that voice all too well. Between working a full-time job, running two blogs, managing Pinterest accounts, keeping up with emails, and everything else that comes with daily life, I often feel like there’s no space to breathe. When I do stop, I catch myself feeling guilty — like resting means I’m lazy or falling behind.

But here’s what I’ve been slowly learning: rest is not wasted time. It’s not weakness. And it’s definitely not something we need to apologize for. Rest is actually the thing that allows us to keep going.


Why We Struggle to Rest

If you’re like me, the struggle isn’t just about having too much to do — it’s about the mindset that comes with it. Somewhere, deep down, many of us believe our value comes from how much we accomplish. If we’re busy, we’re useful. If we’re productive, we’re worthy. And if we stop? Well, that must mean we’re failing.

It’s not surprising. From school to work to social media, the message is constant: hustle harder, do more, prove yourself. No wonder it feels uncomfortable to pause.

And yet, the busier we are, the more fragile we become. Without moments of rest, our minds get scattered, our bodies run on fumes, and our hearts feel drained. I’ve been there — stretched so thin that even small setbacks felt overwhelming. Looking back, I can see that what I really needed wasn’t more motivation or discipline. I needed permission to rest.


Rest as Renewal

One shift that has helped me is to stop seeing rest as “slacking off” and start seeing it as renewal. Rest is what clears the mental clutter, lowers the stress, and brings energy back into focus.

Think about it: even your phone or laptop needs to recharge. We would never expect a battery to run forever without plugging it back in. But somehow, we expect that of ourselves.

When I finally give myself permission to slow down, I notice things changing. My creativity comes back. My mood lightens. I can think more clearly and make decisions without feeling overwhelmed. Rest isn’t just a break — it’s fuel.


Finding What Rest Looks Like for You

Here’s the tricky part: rest doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s curling up with a good book. For others, it’s going for a walk, listening to music, or spending time in the garden.

For me, rest often looks like creating quiet rituals. Having a slow morning coffee without rushing. Taking a walk outside and paying attention to the sky, the trees, the breeze. Letting myself enjoy an episode of a favorite drama without multitasking.

It doesn’t always mean doing nothing — it just means doing something that restores me instead of drains me.

If you’re not sure what that looks like for you, ask yourself: What makes me feel calm? What helps me breathe easier? What leaves me with more energy instead of less? That’s your version of rest.


Small Practices that Make a Difference

Rest doesn’t have to mean a weekend getaway or an entire day off (though those are wonderful when you can take them). It can start small. Here are a few ideas I’ve been working into my own life:

  • Create a short morning ritual. Even five minutes with a cup of coffee, stretching, or journaling can set the tone for the day.

  • Take a screen break. Step away from your phone or computer for a bit. Let your eyes and mind reset.

  • Move gently. Go for a walk, do light stretching, or simply sit outside. Movement can be restful when it’s not rushed.

  • Protect small moments. Maybe it’s a slow meal, a quiet evening bath, or listening to calming music before bed.

  • Give yourself permission. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say, “It’s okay to stop right now.”


Rest Without Guilt

The guilt part is what gets most of us. We feel like if we’re not producing, we’re not enough. But here’s what I’ve realized: resting actually makes me better at everything else. When I allow myself to step back, I’m more focused, more patient, and more creative when I return.

So really, rest isn’t selfish. It’s an investment in showing up well — for work, for loved ones, and for myself.

When I look back at seasons of my life, I can see this pattern clearly. After my mom passed away, I threw myself into projects around the house. Painting, refinishing, reworking — for two and a half years, I stayed constantly busy. And in many ways, it helped me cope. But once I ran out of things to do, all the grief and fatigue I had been pushing aside came rushing in. I had never really allowed myself to rest.

That experience has taught me that busyness can be a distraction, but it’s not the same as healing. Rest is where the real healing begins. It’s where we can feel what we need to feel, let go of some of the weight we’re carrying, and rebuild our strength.


A Gentle Invitation

If you’ve been running nonstop, maybe this is your reminder to pause. To take a breath. To let yourself enjoy a moment without labeling it lazy.

Rest is not wasted time. It’s not weakness. It’s how we restore our energy, our focus, and our joy.

So this weekend, I invite you to create one pocket of true rest for yourself. Maybe it’s an afternoon nap, a quiet cup of tea, a slow walk, or simply turning off your phone for an hour. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to embrace it fully — no guilt, no excuses.

You might be surprised at how much lighter and clearer you feel afterward.

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