If you’re reading this with clenched jaws and shoulders practically touching your ears, let me say one thing right now:
Rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a goddamn necessity.
But if you’re like most high-achieving, childfree women I work with, rest feels more like an impossible prize you have to earn.
Why the hell is resting so damn hard?
You’ve been wired to believe:
If you slow down, you’ll fall behind
Taking breaks means you’re lazy or weak
Hustling harder is the only way to prove your worth
This bullshit mindset keeps you stuck in overfunctioning mode — the endless cycle of pushing, doing, and never truly stopping.
What overfunctioning looks like
Saying yes to every request because “I can handle it”
Running on caffeine and adrenaline to mask exhaustion
Perfectionism that paralyzes you from asking for help
Feeling guilty AF whenever you try to slow down
How to start giving yourself permission to rest
Redefine rest: It’s not a reward; it’s a basic need. Imagine your body and brain as a battery that needs recharging—not just a tank to be drained.
Start small: Five minutes of deep breathing or a walk without your phone is a revolutionary act for your nervous system.
Set micro-boundaries: Say no to one small thing a day and notice how it feels. Hint: it’s not as terrifying as you think.
Notice your inner critic: That voice telling you rest is lazy? Let’s get to know that inner critic a little bit better. What is their motivation for telling you rest is lazy (are they protecting you from something?)? If they could have a different role and not be your inner critic, what other jobs would they like to have? What would they need to know from you to let go of their job as inner critic?
Reflective questions
What would happen if I prioritized rest like I do work?
When was the last time I rested without guilt?
What small step can I take today to give myself permission to slow the fuck down?
You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re just out of sync with your needs—and that’s fixable.
I help women like you break the cycle of overfunctioning and reclaim rest as a radical act of self-care. Our bookclub read Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey & I’d highly recommend it!!
Ready to stop hustling and start healing?