When Healing Feels Like a Lot: Finding Balance Between Growth and Rest

Ever feel like healing is just… too much? Like you’ve signed up for a full-time job with no paycheck and no clock-out time? You’re not alone. That punch-to-the-gut realization that growth is both beautiful and exhausting can leave you feeling drained, questioning whether you’re doing it “right.” But here’s the thing: healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress… and sometimes, it’s okay to press pause.

The Weight of Healing

Let’s get real. You’re showing up for therapy or coaching. You’re journaling your thoughts, processing tough emotions, eating well, staying active, praying, meditating, and doing everything the self-help books say will lead to a happier, more centered life. You’re being vulnerable when it’s hard, expressing emotions in healthy ways, and trying to stay grounded through it all.

It’s rewarding, yes. Life-changing, absolutely. But let’s call it what it is: a lot.

And here’s the kicker: while you’re busy pouring into your own growth, life doesn’t pause. You’re still showing up for your family, your job, your relationships – even when those people might not be doing the same work you are. It’s exhausting, and if you’re feeling worn out, it’s okay to admit it.

Take a second. Right now.

Think about all the work you’ve been doing for yourself: the journaling, the praying, the crying (yes, even that). You’re showing up for yourself in ways you never have before, and that’s incredible. That’s worth celebrating.

The Art of Balancing Growth and Rest

Growth can sometimes feel like an uphill climb, especially when life’s triggers resurface old wounds. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a signal that you need rest.

Here’s the thing: healing doesn’t have to mean hustling 24/7. Growth and rest can coexist. In fact, they need to coexist.

Here are a few reminders to help you find balance:

1. Pace Yourself
   Healing isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Take it one day at a time. When you feel overwhelmed, give yourself permission to step back and breathe.
2. Set Boundaries
   Protect your energy like it’s gold, because it is. It’s okay to say “no” to people, places, or things that drain you.
3. Be Kind to Yourself
   You’re not going to get it all right, and that’s okay. Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks are part of the process.
4. Lean on Your Support System
   Healing doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Talk to someone who gets it, be it a friend, a coach, or a therapist and let them support you.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
   There’s freedom in letting go of what’s out of your hands. Shift your energy to the things you can change.

This isn’t about giving up on growth; it’s about giving yourself grace.

Recognizing Burnout vs. Avoidance and Depression

Sometimes, the exhaustion you feel isn’t just burnout – it might be avoidance or even depression. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Burnout. You’re tired even after resting. Your usual strategies don’t seem to work, and you feel emotionally distant from your goals.
• Avoidance/Procrastination. You’re dodging tasks that feel overwhelming, but deep down, you know you’re avoiding them.
• Depression. You’re persistently low, uninterested in things that once brought you joy, and energy feels like a distant memory.

If you’re unsure what you’re experiencing, don’t hesitate to seek support from a trusted professional. Healing isn’t meant to be a lonely road.

Activate Your Faith

When healing feels like too much, lean on your faith. You don’t have to carry it all on your own—God’s got you.

Here are some faith-based practices to help you stay grounded:

• Morning Prayer. Start your day by asking for strength. A simple prayer like, “Lord, give me the grace to face today,” can set the tone.
• Scripture Reading. Keep verses close that remind you of God’s love. One favorite: “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest” – Matthew 11:28.
• Quiet Time. Spend a few minutes in stillness. Breathe deeply and let God’s peace wash over you.
• Evening Reflection. End your day with gratitude. Thank God for carrying you through another day and rest in that peace.

Faith is a reminder that you’re not walking this path alone. When it feels heavy, lean into His strength.

When Rest Feels Like Failure

Let’s address the elephant in the room: sometimes, resting feels like you’re giving up. It’s not.

Rest is part of the work. Just like your muscles need recovery after a workout, your soul needs stillness to process and heal. So, take that nap. Log off social media. Let the dishes sit in the sink for a night.

Rest isn’t a detour; it’s a necessary stop on your journey.

A Reminder for the Days You Feel Overwhelmed

If it all feels like too much, here’s your permission to pause:

• BREATHE. Deep inhales, slow exhales. Let your nervous system reset.
• PRAY. Release your worries. God’s got it.
• DRINK WATER. Hydration helps more than you think.
• REST. Your worth isn’t tied to your productivity.

And then, when you’re ready, repeat.

Healing Is a Journey, Not a Destination

There’s no finish line in healing. This isn’t a competition. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and giving yourself grace along the way.

You are enough. Right now, as you are.

So tonight, take a moment to reflect on all the ways you’ve grown. Not just the big wins, but the small ones too. Celebrate those moments, and don’t forget to rest.

Because healing isn’t about how fast you get there; it’s about how deeply you learn to love yourself along the way.