The Lie of ‘I’ll Rest When I Have Time’ - And What to Do Instead

The Lie of ‘I’ll Rest When I Have Time’ - And What to Do Instead

“I’ll Rest When I Have Time” Is a Lie And Your Body Knows It

How often do you say things like…

  • “I’ll rest when things calm down.”

  • “I’ll slow down after this project, this launch, this season…”

  • “I’ll take care of myself when I have more time.”

You’re not alone. We are often taught to treat rest as a reward - something you get after the work is done. But here’s the truth: Waiting until you “have time” to rest is what’s edging you closer to burnout. And your nervous system? It’s already flashing a big red light.

Rest Isn’t Earned. It’s Essential.

Not the kind of “rest” where you collapse into bed at midnight or scroll mindlessly through your phone. We’re talking about intentional, nourishing rest that regulates your nervous system and helps you feel more like yourself again.

Why This Mindset Shift Matters

Somewhere along the way, we picked up the idea that rest is lazy - that we need to finish the to-do list before we can slow down. 

But there’s always another task. Another notification. Another reason to keep going.

I know that loop well. When I worked in London, I was the definition of always on. It looked like success from the outside. Inside? I was disconnected, anxious, and deeply tired.

Yoga taught me what I’d forgotten:
Slowness isn’t failure.
Stillness isn’t weakness.
Rest isn’t a luxury - it’s a lifeline.

Your Nervous System Wasn’t Built for “Always On”

Our bodies were never designed to process news alerts, social media, and Slack notifications in the same breath. We need space to pause, digest, integrate.
Without that space, our nervous system stays stuck in fight-or-flight, even when we’re “resting.” That’s why so many people feel exhausted, even when they’re not doing much.

3 Micro-Shifts to Reclaim Rest (Even When You’re Busy)

You don’t need a week off. You need one moment of intention.

Try one of these today:

  1. Sit down with a warm drink.
    Do nothing else. Let yourself be in that moment.

  2. Lie in child’s pose for two minutes.
    No goal. Just soften. Let your body drop.

  3. Stand by a window and breathe.
    Let the light touch your face. Let your shoulders drop.

Ask yourself: Where am I trying to earn my right to rest?

Let that question stay with you this week.

What Yoga Offers (Even Off the Mat)

Yoga is more than movement.
It’s an invitation to pause. To listen. To return to presence.

Yoga reminds us:

  • You are not your productivity.

  • You don’t have to earn rest.

  • You are worthy of stillness - now, not later.

Want to Start Resting Better (Not Just More)?

Here are a few gentle ways to begin:

🎧 Listen: Podcast Episode →
Why rest feels so hard and what to do when you’re stuck in the cycle.

📖 Read: Explore the Slow Scroll Library →
A free collection of screen-soothing practices to help you pause.

🧘 Practice: The 10-Minute Inner Pause →
No mat needed. Just a few minutes to help your body land.

You don’t have to wait for life to slow down before you rest.
You can start now with one breath, one sip, one pause.

Rest isn’t the reward. It’s the return.