“I can’t afford to take a break” -- Don’t lie and tell me you don’t feel this way, mama.
It’s Monday morning and you’re crashing from a weekend that wasn’t restful. It was packed with all the same mouths to feed and nagging household tasks to reset from last week and prepare for the one ahead. My mom rarely chilled on the weekend, unless you count mammoth trips to Walmart and the grocery store!
This thinking will crush you. It’s critical for your over-taxed brain to get a REAL break.
I talk a lot about the value of rest and the types of rest our bodies and minds need because it’s crucial.
The scrolling or playing that app game might feel like a break from the room, but tune in to your body while playing — are you tense? Is it making you think strategically? Are you refreshed and ready to engage when you put it down or feeling like you need a break?
Your “break” might actually be using up more of your depleted reserves.
This could be why you can’t finish what you start or be kind to people. Because rest is the restart that we all need to continue to function and thrive.
Hear me out. Do you need rest?
YES. It’s a fact. Your body requires rest & recovery.
Does rest improve performance? Maybe.
Many neurodivergent folks battle fatigue. We struggle to say no or to notice we’re over-extending ourselves. If you’ve got too much on your plate, rest will help you cope but won’t miraculously increase your output.
If your to-do list is longer than 3-5 things, chances are you’re overloaded. We can’t always avoid that, but we CAN choose to rest & recover.
Recently, one of my teacher clients was overwhelmed with planning, grading, and living. She was planning to squeeze in some work at 7 PM after a 5:30 PM call. Sound familiar?
What impact will the work you squeeze in when your body needs rest have on the goal? Likely not enough to make it worth pushing through.
We can only do so much. I’d argue the less recovery we allow, the less productive we become. It’s a hamster wheel.
If your brain requires restorative space and your output will not be that different because you have TOO much to do, then taking breaks is a fantastic way to cultivate self-trust.
The goal of recovery is not to enhance performance.
The goal of rest is to take care of your human body because you are worthy of being cared for.
What can you do today to prioritize rest in your life?