The Struggle to Rest: Why It Feels Impossible and How to Overcome It

How often do you find yourself running on empty, convincing yourself that you’ll rest after you finish one more task? Maybe you’ve said things like, “If I can just push through this week, I’ll catch up on sleep later” or “I don’t have time to slow down right now.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We live in a culture that celebrates busyness, but what if being constantly busy isn’t actually the badge of honor we think it is? What if it’s costing us more than we realize?

If you’ve been feeling drained, overwhelmed, or on the edge of burnout, it’s time to rethink how you approach rest. Spoiler alert: Rest isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Let’s explore why and how you can finally give yourself permission to pause, recharge, and show up as your best self.

My Journey from Busyness to Balance

I used to believe staying busy was the ultimate proof of my dedication. I worked from everywhere – my office, my living room during supposed “down time,” and even the carpool line. When I wasn’t actively working, I was thinking about work – mentally drafting emails, planning meals, or making endless to-do lists. My nights often ended with a laptop in bed and my mornings started with the nagging thought of what still wasn’t done.

I told myself I didn’t have time to rest, but deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. The truth was, I didn’t allow myself to rest because I equated it with laziness. Somewhere along the way, I bought into the lie that my worth was tied to how much I could accomplish.

Sound familiar?

Many of us have learned to push past our limits. We dismiss headaches, sleepless nights, and stress-induced irritability as “normal.” But normal doesn’t mean healthy.

The Cost of Constant Busyness

Let’s be real: ignoring your need for rest comes at a price. Chronic stress and exhaustion don’t just affect your mood; they can take a serious toll on your physical health. You might notice:

• Frequent headaches or tension in your body
• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Feeling irritable or short-tempered
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions

When we ignore these signs, we’re not just risking burnout; we’re jeopardizing our long-term health. Pushing ourselves beyond what we can handle doesn’t make us stronger, it weakens us.

For me, this realization hit hard when I found myself too exhausted to enjoy the things I was working so hard for. I had convinced myself that staying busy was a sign of strength, but all it left me with was burnout.

Why Rest Is Non-Negotiable

Here’s the truth: Rest isn’t something you earn; it’s something you need.

God designed our bodies and minds to require rest. Even in creation, He set the example by resting on the seventh day. Rest is sacred, not optional. When we neglect it, we’re not just defying our biology; we’re also ignoring the spiritual importance of pausing and trusting that God is in control.

Imagine waking up refreshed and moving through your day with energy and focus. Rest doesn’t just recharge you; it allows you to show up as your best self for the people and responsibilities that matter most.

A New Way to Think About Rest

Instead of seeing rest as the opposite of productivity, try thinking of it as part of your productivity. When you rest, you replenish your energy, which makes you more effective in everything you do. Rest isn’t selfish, it’s self-respect.

If you struggle with a scarcity mindset – believing there’s never enough time, support, or resources – it can be even harder to rest. I used to feel the same way. But I’ve learned that asking for help or slowing down doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise.

Practical Steps to Prioritize Rest

If you’re ready to break the cycle of constant busyness, here are a few actionable steps to help you prioritize rest without guilt:

• Create a Rest Routine

Dedicate specific times each day or week for rest. This could be as simple as taking 15 minutes to read a book, journal, or sit quietly with a cup of tea. Start small and build from there. Remember, Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

• Set Boundaries Around Your Time

Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities. Protect your time as fiercely as you would a loved one’s. Boundaries allow you to focus on what truly matters, making the most of your days. As Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

• Practice Self-Compassion

When you feel guilty for resting, remind yourself that you’re human, not a machine. Speak to yourself with kindness, as you would to a friend. Give yourself grace, knowing that God’s love is unconditional and not dependent on how much you achieve.

• Ask for Help

Whether it’s delegating tasks at work or sharing household responsibilities, don’t be afraid to lean on others. Trust that God has placed people in your life to support you. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Rest often comes when we share the load and embrace community.

These steps aren’t about adding more to your plate, they’re about making space to nourish your mind, body, and spirit.

Activate Your Faith

Faith can be a powerful anchor when you’re learning to prioritize rest. Even Jesus, during His ministry, took time to step away and pray. Resting isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s an act of trust.

When you take time to rest, you’re saying, “God, I trust You to take care of the things I can’t handle right now.”

Here are a few prayers and affirmations to help you embrace rest:

💜 Affirmations

• It’s okay for me to rest. I deserve to feel at peace.
• God’s love reminds me that it’s okay to slow down.
• I trust that God will take care of me, even when I pause to rest.
• Being busy doesn’t always mean I’m being productive.
• Taking time for myself doesn’t make me selfish or lazy.

✝️ Prayers

• Lord, help me find rest in Your presence and trust in Your provision. Amen.
• God, give me the courage to slow down and the wisdom to know what truly needs my attention. Amen.
• Heavenly Father, remind me that my worth is found in You, not in my productivity. Amen.

Take One Small Step Tonight

Before bed tonight, try this:

1. Turn off your phone and put away your to-do list.
2. Take three deep breaths to calm your mind.
3. Spend a moment in quiet reflection and prayer.
4. Ask yourself, “What is one thing I can do tomorrow to prioritize my wellness?” Write it down and commit to it.

Changing your relationship with rest won’t happen overnight, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference over time.

A Final Thought

Busyness might feel like the norm, but it doesn’t have to be your default. By embracing rest, you’re not only taking care of yourself, you’re setting an example for those around you. Imagine the legacy you could leave if you showed others that rest is both sacred and essential.

You’re not failing when you pause; you’re following God’s example and honoring the body, mind, and spirit He’s entrusted to you.