As I write this, we’re wrapping up the summer cohort of RESTORE, and let me tell you, it’s been an incredible journey. Over the past seven weeks, the women in this program have shown remarkable growth. A key focus in RESTORE has been exploring our mindsets and paradigms around rest. Because here’s the deal: if you’re feeling chronically exhausted and burned out, it’s likely because you struggle to truly rest.

Even if you intellectually understand the need for rest, you might find yourself sabotaging it. Maybe you can’t relax because your mind is racing with tasks, or you try to rest but find it uncomfortable and end up back at your to-do list within minutes. Sound familiar?

In Step 6 of RESTORE, we dive deep into mindset, especially around productivity and work. A lightbulb moment for one of the participants was this: she realized she’s constantly busy with the belief that if she can just get through her to-do list, she’ll finally be able to rest. But here’s the harsh truth: this elusive rest is rarely achieved. There’s always another task waiting, and we end up on a hamster wheel, chasing rest that always seems just out of reach. This cycle is a surefire path to burnout.

Peace Isn’t Tied to Productivity

Despite what hustle culture might preach, peace isn’t a byproduct of checking off your to-do list. Peace isn’t about your productivity; it’s not about having a spotless home or a completed project. Any peace that comes from these achievements is fleeting because there will always be new tasks, laundry, or deadlines. To truly find peace, we need to anchor it to something deeper than just busyness. Rest is essential, not optional.

The Deeper Reasons We Resist Rest

Resisting rest is more than just a preference for staying busy. It’s rooted in deeper subconscious patterns and beliefs. Let’s explore three common subconscious reasons why we might resist slowing down:

1. Busyness as an Avoidance Tactic Busyness can serve as a distraction from uncomfortable emotions or unresolved issues. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easier to focus on tasks rather than face feelings of anxiety, sadness, or fear. For example, instead of addressing anxiety about a work review, you might clean your house. This avoidance keeps your body in a heightened state of alertness, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this chronic busyness disrupts your nervous system, making relaxation difficult. Mindset Shift: View emotions as valuable information rather than something to avoid. By acknowledging and addressing your feelings, you can break the cycle of using busyness as a distraction.
2. Avoiding Rest Due to a Scarcity Mindset Many of us have internalized a scarcity mindset where we believe there’s never enough time or help. This belief can make rest feel like a luxury we can’t afford. Past experiences of falling behind or facing criticism for taking breaks might have reinforced this mindset. But maybe the real issue wasn’t rest itself but inefficiencies in how you work. Mindset Shift: Challenge the belief that rest is unproductive. Recognize that rest is crucial for maintaining long-term productivity and creativity. It’s not an interruption but an essential part of the productivity cycle. Embrace rest as a productive activity that enhances overall performance.
3. Linking Self-Worth to Productivity From a young age, many of us are praised for our achievements, linking our self-worth to our productivity. This conditioning can make us feel that rest is only deserved after we’ve accomplished enough. If you feel guilty or anxious when you’re not working, it might be because you subconsciously believe you must earn rest. Mindset Shift: Understand that you don’t have to earn rest. Your worth isn’t tied to what you do; it’s inherent in who you are. Embrace the idea that your value comes from simply being, not just doing.

Taking Action

If any of this resonates, I encourage you to start small. Challenge one of these subconscious patterns this week. Reflect on how you view rest and productivity, and make a conscious effort to shift your mindset.

To further support you on this journey, I’m hosting a free workshop on September 10th called The De-Stress Protocol. It’s a live, interactive session where I’ll guide you through techniques to release stress from your body using breath, movement, and mindfulness. This workshop will provide practical tools to help you find peace and manage stress effectively. Register via the link in the show notes—I’d love to see you there!

Remember, finding balance is a continuous journey, and it’s one worth pursuing for your well-being and peace of mind. Thank you for joining me on this path to healthier productivity and restful living.

Have a question you’d love Michelle to answer on the podcast? “Ask Michelle a Question.” Click this link, record your message, hit send, and I’ll answer it in a future episode!