Rest like you mean it.
Because moving with intention is exhausting—and rest is your sacred recharging station.
WE’VE BEEN LIED TO ABOUT REST
Rest isn’t lazy. We’ve been conditioned to believe our worth is tied to what we produce. But the truth? Rest is productive. We need it — physically, emotionally, spiritually, creatively.
Especially when we’re in seasons of growth. When we’re:
- Rewiring thoughts and beliefs
- Moving differently
- Meeting new people
- Trying new things
- Saying yes to the unfamiliar
THE SCIENCE: WHY MOVING DIFFERENTLY IS EXHAUSTING
Transformation takes energy. New thoughts, new places, new people — it’s a full-body, full-brain experience. If you’re feeling more tired than usual while transforming — you’re not lazy. You’re expanding. More intention = more energy required = deeper rest needed.
- Neuroplasticity = Brain Workout
When you consciously choose new thoughts, beliefs, and actions, you’re literally rewiring your brain. Creating new neural pathways takes more energy than using your default (autopilot) ones. - Decision Fatigue
New situations and people require more mental processing. Every decision—big or small—uses willpower and executive function (which are limited resources). - Emotional Labor
Doing things that push your comfort zone often means managing fear, self-doubt, people-pleasing patterns, etc. Emotional regulation is energy intensive. - Environmental Stimuli
New people, places, and experiences mean more sensory input to process. Even if it’s joyful, it can still be overstimulating.
ARE YOU ACTUALLY RESTING… OR JUST NUMBING?
Sometimes what we call rest is actually avoidance. And while numbing might feel good in the moment (hi, third glass of wine or endless TikTok scroll), it often leaves us feeling worse later.
Recently, I caught myself zoning out—phone games, background TV, fully fried. It wasn’t the rest I really needed. It was escape. It wasn’t nourishing – but it was the easiest, default option. When you’re drained, decision fatigue is real. The phone is right there and habits are powerful. What I really needed? Silence. Softness. Stillness. A break from the noise – news, emails, social media, to-do lists, the chatter in my head.
THE ANTIDOTE – AWARENESS & INTENTIONALITY
When you find yourself on autopilot, notice yourself checking out, or feel tempted to reach for your default numbing vice – try this little practice:
🌀 Pause.
🌀 Ask:
- What do I actually need right now?
- Do I need rest? Laughter? Movement?
- Is this choice nourishing me or numbing me?
- Is there a feeling I’m trying to avoid?
🌀 Then, reach for a nourishing option. One way to make that easier? Create a joy list. Make it visible. The things on the list – – make them easy to access. Let that become your new go-to.
- Make a playlist that instantly shifts your mood
- Leave your favorite book out
- Keep a cozy throw and journal on your nightstand
YOU DESERVE TO FEEL GOOD
When you do rest — be present. Enjoy it. Own it. Feel grateful for it. Don’t waste that sacred time feeling bad for not being “productive.”
Because here’s the truth: Rest. Relaxation. Play. Pleasure. They are not luxuries. They are essential. They are fuel. Rest like you mean it.
QUICK RECAP
✨ Rest isn’t a reward — it’s a requirement. Especially when you’re shifting, growing, healing, and moving with intention.
✨ Transformation takes energy. New thoughts, new places, new people — it’s a full-body, full-brain experience. No wonder you’re tired.
✨ Numbing ≠ Rest. One soothes your soul. The other delays the healing.
✨ Awareness is your magic. When you pause and ask what you really need, you shift from autopilot to intentionality.
✨ Create easy access to joy. Make your nourishing choices visible, tangible, and accessible.
✨ You deserve to feel good. Not just on vacation. Not just when everything is done. Right now. Because you’re worthy now.
So this weekend — or whenever your soul whispers for stillness — listen.
💤 Rest boldly.
🔥 Recharge unapologetically.
💖 And remember: your worth is not measured by your productivity.
Now go rest like the radiant, rising, resting witch you are. 🧘♀️✨
With love and permission slips,
Steph 🖤