We live in a world that rewards productivity, resilience, and always “bouncing back.” While strength is admirable, many people come to therapy exhausted—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally—because they’ve been pushing through pain for far too long.

At some point, pushing through stops being effective. It disconnects us from ourselves, masks deeper needs, and often leaves us feeling even more alone. That’s where therapy—and intentional rest—can begin to change things.

Why Rest Is a Form of Healing

Rest isn’t laziness. It’s a biological and emotional necessity. When we rest, we allow our nervous system to shift out of survival mode. We give our bodies and minds a chance to process, repair, and reset.

Rest can look like:

• Taking a mental health day without guilt

• Saying no to commitments that deplete you

• Engaging in slow, grounding activities (like a walk or journaling)

• Creating space for stillness in therapy sessions

In therapy, we often talk about the importance of feeling safe enough to let go. That’s not always easy—but it’s one of the most powerful parts of the work. Resting isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s often a sign of growth.

Letting Go of “Shoulds”

A big part of my work with clients involves gently challenging the “shoulds” that dominate their inner dialogue:

• “I should be over this by now.”

• “I shouldn’t need this much help.”

• “I should just keep going.”

These messages come from culture, past experiences, and even protective parts of ourselves—but they can block true healing. Therapy creates space to explore those thoughts and begin replacing them with self-compassion and clarity.

Choosing a New Path

If you’ve been pushing through for a long time, I want you to know it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to ask for help and not have all the answers. Therapy is a place to safely unwind the pressure and begin again—with more gentleness, intention, and hope.

You don’t have to carry everything alone. You deserve support—not because you’re broken, but because you’re human.