5 WAYS TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF OVERWORKING

By Kristina Benoist

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You don’t have to earn rest.” It sounds great in theory, but what does it actually mean? In a world that celebrates hustle and measures worth by productivity, the idea of resting without guilt feels foreign — and sometimes impossible. Life doesn’t always make space for rest, either. There are bills to pay, people to care for, and responsibilities that don’t go away just because you’re tired.

But here’s the truth: rest isn’t something you should have to justify or schedule only after you’ve done enough to “deserve” it. It’s a basic human need, just like eating or sleeping. Reframing how we think about rest—and learning how to embrace it even when life is chaotic—can do wonders for your mental health.

Why do we feel guilty about rest?

Guilt around rest often stems from deeply ingrained beliefs. Maybe you were taught that hard work equals success or that being “lazy” is a moral failing. Social media doesn’t help, either, with its constant highlight reels of people achieving, building, and thriving. It creates a false narrative that rest is wasted time.

The reality? Burnout doesn’t lead to success. Rest allows you to recharge, regain focus, and ultimately be more effective in every area of your life.

How to rest without guilt

1.REDEFINE WHAT REST LOOKS LIKE

Rest doesn’t always mean lying in bed doing nothing (though it can). It can be active, creative, or restorative. Maybe rest for you is:

Taking a slow walk with no destination in mind.
Journaling your thoughts to release mental clutter.
Sitting quietly with a cup of tea and letting yourself just be.

When you expand your definition of rest, it’s easier to find opportunities for it in your day, even when life feels full.

2. PRACTICE “MICRO-RESTS” WHEN LIFE IS CHAOTIC

Sometimes, a full afternoon off isn’t realistic—and that’s okay. Rest doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Find small, meaningful ways to recharge:

Close your eyes and take five deep breaths between meetings.
Spend 10 minutes outside, letting the fresh air clear your head.
Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” for 15 minutes to create mental space.

These micro-moments can add up, helping you recharge without derailing your responsibilities.

3. STOP LINKING REST TO ACHIEVEMENT

We often think, “I’ll rest once I’ve finished XYZ.” But waiting until you’ve “earned” rest is a trap — it perpetuates the idea that rest is only valid after productivity.

Instead, build rest into your day as a non-negotiable. Treat it like brushing your teeth or eating lunch — something essential to your well-being.
Remind yourself: Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a reset button.

4. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO REST

Feeling guilty about rest is normal when you’re used to hustle culture. The key is to acknowledge the guilt without letting it control you.

When guilt creeps in, ask yourself: Would I feel guilty for eating lunch? Rest is just as necessary as food — it fuels your body and mind.
Write down a simple mantra like, “Rest is productive. I don’t have to earn it.” Repeat it when the guilt feels loud.

5. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF REST DEFICIENCY

Your body will let you know when you’re overdue for rest:

Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
Irritability or emotional overwhelm.
Physical fatigue that no amount of coffee can fix.

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Ignoring these signs won’t make you more productive — it’ll just make burnout more likely. Pay attention and respond to what your body is telling you.

Romanticizing rest