Do you experience resistance to resting? Or feel like you need to do more, be productive, and accomplish things to deem yourself worthy of being here?
I feel you. I’m there right now. That’s why I’m writing a blog post and doing laundry instead of curling up and sleeping, which is what my body desperately wants to do.
But I’m also writing this because the topic of resistance to resting has come up a few times in my life this week. So I figured, if multiple people in my sphere are going through it, this is something that needs to be addressed.
This Monday I was supposed to fly back to Maine from New Jersey, where I was visiting to attend a memorial service. But I had to reschedule because I got so sick, I couldn’t even make it down the stairs — forget about navigating a busy airport! Instead, I stayed in bed until 2pm, at which point I got up to eat some crackers and finish watching season 6 of Outlander.
While being sick is never fun, I gotta say, laying in bed all day felt glorious! I can’t remember the last time I did that. Living on a farm, I have to get up and do chores, no matter how miserable I feel. It made me realize how valuable a good, solid period of rest can be.
I made it back home safely, and, no, it wasn’t Covid. Thanks for your concern.
Then, I got an email from a witchy friend who’s restarting her newsletter after a pandemic hiatus. She mentioned the Buddhist monks and devotees who take a 3-month retreat every year.
3 months! Every year!
I want that kind of life. Or, at least I say I do. When it comes down to it, there’s definitely some resistance. Like, I plan to take a day off, then open my laptop to check emails and write a blog post. Or do laundry. Or anything else.
It’s like I can’t help it, but I know I can. I know my wellbeing is my own responsibility. And I know the reason I feel guilty for resting or taking a day off the programming I received from the capitalist hustle culture I live in. This is something I tell my clients all the time, but I also need a reminder.
So, I’m going to wrap this up neatly by leaving you with this:
It’s okay to rest. You are allowed to take a day off. Or two. Even three. Recover. Recharge. Reinvigorate yourself, and then get back to creating the life you love.
Now, I’m going to go talk to my plants and curl up with a good book.*
XoL
*this is an affiliate link. I only recommend products I love.
Cover image via Pexels
I feel lucky that I didn’t internalize the capitalist hustle culture programming, probably because my parents weren’t hustle-y kind of people.
That’s awesome! I come from a long line of workaholics 😝😝
*note to self: rest guilt-free
Please do 😊🛌💖
Hi- I so needed to read this. I had to take the afternoon off work as I’ve been feeling unwell/ run down. I felt guilty as I have a lot on, but you are right, we must rest! Glad I came across your blog, great posts 🙂
I hope you get some good rest 😊Thanks for reading!