When You Feel Guilty For Resting
Mon Dec 15 2025
When was the last time you truly rested?
What happens when you literally can’t do it all anymore? For Jess, it took a broken foot, six weeks off her feet, and a complete pause in her routines to realize how deeply she’d tied her worth to her productivity.
In this episode, we explore the emotional reality of “rest guilt” — the belief that you’re only valuable when you’re doing, helping, performing, achieving, or holding everything together. Jess opens up about the meltdown that made her ask, “Who am I if I’m not doing all the things?” and how she's redefining worth, presence, and capacity.
We talk about:
• Feeling useless or unworthy when you can’t be productive
• How to accept help (even when it feels uncomfortable)
• Why women often tie value to caretaking, tasks, and saying yes
• How Jess learned to rest without shame
• The surprising way slowing down made her more productive
• Redefining movement, connection, and capacity
If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or secretly afraid of slowing down, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with rest — and give yourself permission to be human.
🎧 Listen if you’re craving:
Permission to rest
Freedom from productivity pressure
Emotional resilience and self-compassion
YouTube video:
Engage & Connect:
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p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!
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When was the last time you truly rested? What happens when you literally can’t do it all anymore? For Jess, it took a broken foot, six weeks off her feet, and a complete pause in her routines to realize how deeply she’d tied her worth to her productivity. In this episode, we explore the emotional reality of “rest guilt” — the belief that you’re only valuable when you’re doing, helping, performing, achieving, or holding everything together. Jess opens up about the meltdown that made her ask, “Who am I if I’m not doing all the things?” and how she's redefining worth, presence, and capacity. We talk about: • Feeling useless or unworthy when you can’t be productive • How to accept help (even when it feels uncomfortable) • Why women often tie value to caretaking, tasks, and saying yes • How Jess learned to rest without shame • The surprising way slowing down made her more productive • Redefining movement, connection, and capacity If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or secretly afraid of slowing down, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with rest — and give yourself permission to be human. 🎧 Listen if you’re craving: Permission to rest Freedom from productivity pressure Emotional resilience and self-compassion YouTube video: Engage & Connect: Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.Gifts for Listeners: Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitudeDownload my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questionsFREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!