Every good road trip has rest stops — but we often forget to apply that to everyday life, usually realizing we need a pause when we’re running on fumes. Between juggling being a mom, work, and creative projects, it’s easy to keep pushing forward, believing we’ll catch our breath later. But what happens when the “later” never comes?
Always on the Go
When I was working a regular 9–5, at the end of each day, I would literally lie on top of my bed and play games on my phone—in silence. Not hearing, talking, or interacting with anyone was necessary after a day spent constantly on the phone talking to people. I also had a day on the weekend to completely veg out and do absolutely nothing, usually the day my husband was working. It was always a refreshing reset.
Now, after 4.5 years as a stay-at-home mom, finding that time to do nothing—or even giving myself permission to pause—is a lot harder. Most days, I’m up before my household to carve out my “me time,” but it doesn’t stop the constant mental toggle of what needs to be done: meals prepped, scheduling set, spaces cleaned and organized.
Society glorifies being busy. Between family and social obligations, emails, chores, and deadlines, we’re constantly running on a hum of to-dos — and whenever we slow down, it can feel unproductive. I’ve felt it myself, trying to check just one more item off my list, even when my mind and body were begging for a break. Ignoring rest leads to burnout, mental fog, and creative blocks that make even the simplest tasks feel heavy… or downright impossible.
A Personal Pause
I’ll be honest—pausing doesn’t come naturally to me. Most of the time, I keep moving until my body or mind forces me to stop. Overwhelm, burnout, or just plain exhaustion usually hit first, and by the time I take a break, my motivation is gone, my focus scattered, and even restarting what I’d been working on feels harder than it should.
Even recently, after surgery in September, the need to slow down was real—but giving myself permission to heal has been difficult. There were still things that needed to be done, and resisting the pause felt almost automatic. I know I’m not alone in this—so many of us struggle to stop until our bodies make the decision for us.
Sometimes the pause comes in small, forced ways: lying on the bed for a few quiet minutes, closing my eyes mid-afternoon, or stepping outside without a plan. They’re rarely perfect moments of intentional rest, but they serve as reminders that even in the chaos, our bodies and minds are craving a reset. And while it’s hard to give ourselves that grace, those tiny pauses—even accidental ones—allow space for energy and creativity to slowly return.
Why Pausing Matters
Even when it’s hard to stop, those moments of pause—intentional or not—are essential. Rest restores energy, clears mental clutter, and gives your creativity room to breathe. Without them, we run the risk of missing life’s little moments: the laughter of children, the warmth of morning sunlight, or even just a quiet breath to collect our thoughts.
Think of life like a road trip. Rest stops aren’t wasted time—they keep you moving forward safely and fully present. Skipping them might get you to your destination faster, but you’ll arrive exhausted, frazzled, and unable to appreciate the scenery along the way. Even brief, forced pauses give your mind and body a chance to reset, helping you return to your tasks with more focus, energy, and clarity than before.
Pausing in life doesn’t need to be long or perfectly planned. It can be as simple as stepping outside, closing your eyes for a minute, or sipping a warm cup of coffee in silence. The key is recognizing that these pauses—even when we resist—are how we stay balanced, inspired, and able to enjoy the journey.
Practical Rest Stops for Your Week
Pausing doesn’t have to be fancy—or long—to make a difference. Even small, simple moments can help reset your mind, body, and creativity. Here are a few “rest stops” you can try:
- Step outside for fresh air. Even a minute or two by a window, on the porch, or a quick stroll around the block can shift your focus and refresh your energy.
- Write one thought in your journal. Don’t aim for perfection. Just jot a single line about what’s on your mind—it’s a mini reset for your brain.
- Sip something warm without multitasking. Coffee, tea, or cocoa—whatever feels comforting. Sit quietly, breathe, notice the warmth. No phone, no chores, no lists.
- Take a micro-movement pause. Stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, or do a short mindful stretch. Even 30 seconds helps your body release tension.
- Close your eyes for a short reset. Sometimes just 60–90 seconds of quiet can help your mind regroup before jumping back in.
These small, simple pauses aren’t indulgences—they’re necessary. They remind your mind and body that it’s okay to stop, even if you feel like you “shouldn’t,” and help you return to your day with more clarity, energy, and creativity.
Pausing isn’t lazy—it’s essential. Even the busiest roads have places to pull over, and so should we. The moments we take, whether intentional or forced, remind us to breathe, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters.
What’s one way you hit pause during your week? Share your “rest stop” in the comments—we’d love to hear how you carve out even a little time for yourself amidst the chaos.
From my road to yours, happy wandering.
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