I’m working hard today and just sat down to take a break. After sitting with my eyes closed, I noticed a tinge of guilt. You too? Then you need to do this when you feel guilty taking a break, and lose the guilt!
It’s only natural to feel guilty for taking a break.
We often put so much pressure on ourselves to finish doing everything on our to-do list that it feels like we’re not working hard enough when we take a break.
This can be a huge struggle if you serve or care for others.
However, it’s crucial to remember that rest is important for success, productivity, and overall well-being at work.
Me-time is necessary and appropriate!
Thankfully, there are 4 easy things you can do when you feel guilty about taking a break.
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Let’s get to the list.
Do these things when you feel guilty taking a break.
Find Supportive
It can be helpful to surround yourself with supportive people when you’re struggling with guilt about taking a break.
These people can remind you of the importance of rest and overall well-being and the importance and value of taking a break.
Talking to others about your feelings can also help you feel worthy or deserving of resting and taking a break!
The people you talk to can be friends, family, co-workers, or a trained counselor.
Give Yourself This When You Feel Guilty Taking a Break
We might feel guilty or undeserving of taking a break because we still have so much to do.
When taking a break, it’s essential to give yourself grace. This means accepting that you’re not a superwoman (or superman).
It also means forgiving yourself for not doing everything you think you should be able to do and needing time to rest.
When we’re hard on ourselves, relaxing and enjoying our break is challenging.
But if we can give ourselves grace and accept that rest is necessary, we’ll be more likely to relax and rejuvenate ourselves.
Consider Whether You Need Accountability
If you struggle to stick to your break schedule, consider whether you need an accountability partner or group.
An accountability partner enables you to stay on track and meet your goals.
In contrast, an accountability group is a small group working together to support each other’s goals.
Both types of groups can help keep you accountable and ensure that you take your break seriously.
They can also provide support and encouragement when you feel you’re struggling.
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Ignore the Lies Your Tired Mind Says When You Feel Guilty Taking a Break
When our minds are exhausted, it’s easy to tell ourselves lies about why we shouldn’t take a break.
“And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 ‬(â€NLT).
For example, we might say we’re lazy or don’t deserve a break.
But it’s important to ignore these lies and remember that rest is necessary for our well-being because of how God created us.
Taking a break is especially important when you’re feeling:
- Tired
- Overwhelmed
- Stressed
- Burnt out
If you feel guilty or unworthy, remember God created you to require rest. It’s necessary, and you are worthy of rest!
In closing, it is natural to feel guilty after taking a break, but it is essential to remember the importance of rest for success, productivity, and overall well-being.
So when you feel guilty about taking a break
- Surround yourself with supportive people
- Give yourself grace
- Consider an accountability partner or group
- Ignore the lies your tired mind says
It’s time to break the guilt cycle and give yourself the grace you need to rest and rejuvenate, my friend!
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Post originally published July 21, 2022.
Be sure to grab your FREE Self-care Starter Guide! Lisa Kimrey is a 33-year veteran registered nurse (RN), speaker, and author of the Bible study, The Self-care Impact: Motivation and Inspiration for Wellness. At Mylifenurse, Lisa combines her nursing expertise with Scripture-based encouragement to show readers who serve and care for others how to begin and maintain their self-care journey – without feeling guilty or overwhelmed – to feel happy, healthy, and rejuvenated.