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!
It’s only natural to feel guilty after taking a break.
We often put so much pressure on ourselves to finish doing everything on our to-do list that when we take a break, it feels like we’re not working hard enough.
This can be a huge struggle if you serve or take care of other people.
However, it’s crucial to remember that rest is just as important for success, productivity, and overall well-being as work.
Me-time is necessary and appropriate!
Thankfully there are 4 easy things you can do when you feel guilty about taking a break.
Need help getting more me-time? It can be stressful and overwhelming when you begin improving your self-care, and many people also feel guilty when they start taking time for themselves. So, I made this free faith-based guide to help you get started. Be sure to grab yours!
Grab Your Free Self-care Starter Guide HERE!
Let’s get into the list.
Do this when you feel guilty taking a break:
1 Surround Yourself with Supportive People
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!
2 Give Yourself Grace When You Feel Guilty Taking a Break
We might feel guilty or undeserving of taking a break because we think 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 being able to do everything you think you ‘should’ be able to do and needing time to rest.
When we’re hard on ourselves, it’s challenging to relax and enjoy our break.
But if we can give ourselves grace and accept that rest is necessary, we’ll be more likely to relax and rejuvenate ourselves.
3 Consider Whether You Need an Accountability Partner or Group
If you’re struggling to stick to your break schedule, it might help to 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 of people who all work together to support each other’s goals.
Both of these 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 like you’re struggling.
4 Ignore the Lies Your Tired Mind Says When You Feel Guilty Taking 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 (NLT).
When our minds are exhausted, it’s easy to start telling ourselves lies about why we shouldn’t need to take a break.
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 the way God created us, rest is necessary for our wellbeing.
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!
Need some help?
Get your FREE copy of the Self-care Starter Guide HERE!
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Hi, I’m Lisa! Thanks for visiting My Life Nurse, where we provide people who serve and take care of others with easy self-care plans and systems, wellness strategies, and scripture-based encouragement so you can stay happy, healthy and rejuvenated. I’ve found that many people struggle with caring for themselves while taking care of others, but they also feel called to serve others, so they keep working even when they’re stressed and exhausted. That’s why I combine my nursing expertise with Scripture-based teaching. Our readers love learning how to walk closer to the Lord to improve their self-care – so they can begin their journey to feel better – without feeling guilty. Be sure to grab your FREE Self-care StarTer Guide!