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worthy of rest?
Does anyone else feel guilty if you choose to rest when you have all the things to do? Like, somehow in my mind, rest is a privilege earned when I’ve accomplished enough, instead of a human right that deserves my attention and respect.
I know it’s a conversation to have with my therapist, but I’m wondering what you all do to mentally “give permission” to just stop and rest. Hook me up with your best affirmations and trains of thought please!
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3 Replies
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Oh yes, I so get this. Especially as a mom—there’s always something that needs doing, and it’s so easy to feel like rest has to be earned. But honestly? Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a need. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you definitely can’t take care of others if you’re running on fumes. Gotta put your own oxygen mask on first.
One thing I remind myself: “Rest is productive too.” When I take time to recharge, I show up better for everything else—work, family, even myself.
Try this: “My worth is not measured by my output. I deserve rest simply because I exist.”
Sending you love—and full permission to take that break. ❤️ You are so not alone.
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Teri, I can imagine thinking that. My first thought was like Sj said, you have to put your oxygen mask on first. You can’t do what comes next without being ready, and being ready includes having the rest we need.
We know we can really only run on empty for a short time and then we crash.
I vote that you can allow yourself to get the rest you need!!
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I used to, but I’m retired and my son moved out 19 years back, so I don’t feel bad about resting at all. I just go with it. I figure if I have to rest, it’s cuz my body is telling me to. If I don’t rest, my body will rebel and make me rest…for a few days sometimes.
When I was a young mom, my doctor actually wrote out a prescription that said I had to take 15 minutes just for myself, and increase it by 5 minutes each week until I got up to an 2 hours. Partially it was because my wasband did nothing as far as child care and chores, and I was getting 3 hours sleep…not good. Doctor felt that if he saw a prescription, he start to take my fatigue seriously. But, also, it was because I didn’t think I deserved to rest.
One thing I learned from that was that if I wasn’t good to myself, if I did take care of me, then I was depleted for everything else.
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