We were taught that work came before play. We get our work done, then we can do the things we WANT to do.

We have been conditioned to believe that “rest” means “lazy” somehow.

Our pesky inner voice tells us that we should always be busy doing something so that we might be productive, and sitting still is tantamount to doing nothing.

The moment we finally sit down, guilt kicks in, and we are suddenly reminded of all we have to do.

We feel pressure to keep going, because other people who are also tired are still going.

Rest is considered a reward for accomplishment.

Consider this a friendly reminder or perhaps a kick-in-the-pants wake up call that…

Resting our bodies and our minds fuels us to do work. It actually comes first.

Rest does not equate to lazy. That’s an “apples vs. oranges” comparison.

We can be plenty productive and still take advantage of a moment to sit down, put our feet up, or take a nap.

Feelings of guilt should only surface when we have done something illegal or immoral. Rest is neither of those.

Other people are not responsible for taking care of our physical and mental health. Even if we know other people are working, we must take rest when WE need it.

You were conditioned along the way to believe that rest is a reward, that rest is for the weak, that you can’t rest if everyone else can’t rest. Give yourself permission to let those false beliefs go, and don’t look back.

You do not have to earn rest.

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