In a world that seems to measure our worth by our busyness, it feels almost rebellious to pause. There’s always something that needs to be done—emails to answer, dishes to wash, errands to run. And if you’re like me, a mom trying to juggle the needs of others while still clinging to a sense of your own identity, the concept of rest often feels indulgent, even shameful.

For years, I lived in this mindset. I thought joy was earned only after hard work, that rest was a sign of weakness, and that success required me to sprint through life. But the truth is, that pace wasn’t sustainable. It left me running on empty, drained of energy, and resentful of the very life I’d worked so hard to build.

Then one day, dog-tired, I stumbled upon a simple yet profound practice that changed the game for me: I kicked my feet up and decided to take a rest.

Rediscovering the Power of the Rest

It began as an experiment. Exhausted and overwhelmed, I let myself lie down on the couch for “just five minutes” one afternoon. I set a timer, closed my eyes, and promised myself I wouldn’t feel guilty about it. Something surprising happened: I didn’t sleep deeply, but when the timer went off, I felt… better. Lighter. Like I had been handed a small gift.

That moment planted a seed, and I began exploring what it meant to truly rest. Not scrolling on my phone, not multitasking, but intentionally stopping—allowing myself to exist without expectations or obligations for a brief moment.

 

The Miracle of Micro-Naps

Micro-naps, as it turns out, are not just the stuff of corporate productivity hacks or power-nap enthusiasts. For me, they became a way to reset my mind and body, a tiny act of rebellion against the hustle culture I had internalized. These short bursts of rest—10 to 20 minutes—became a lifeline during chaotic days.

Science supports what I discovered intuitively: micro-naps can boost mood, increase focus and improve energy levels. They can even lower stress hormones. But beyond the biology, micro-naps brought me something unexpected: joy.

Joy in the silence, in the stillness, in allowing myself to just be.

Micro-naps, as it turns out, are not just the stuff of corporate productivity hacks or power-nap enthusiasts. For me, they became a way to reset my mind and body, a tiny act of rebellion against the hustle culture I had internalized. These short bursts of rest—10 to 20 minutes, tops—became a lifeline during chaotic days.

Science supports what I discovered intuitively: micro-naps can boost mood, increase focus, and improve energy levels. They can even lower stress hormones. But beyond the biology, micro-naps brought me something unexpected: joy.

Why Rest Feels Revolutionary

Rest is a radical act in a society that glorifies exhaustion. It forces you to confront the fear that the world will fall apart if you’re not constantly holding it together. But it also reminds you of something powerful: You are not a machine. You are human. And humans need rest.

When I gave myself permission to pause, I began noticing things I had been too tired to see: The way sunlight dances through my solar shades in the afternoon, the sound of Laila playing pretend with her Elmo plushy and the quiet hum of my own breathing. These moments, fleeting as they are, became sources of joy I hadn’t realized I was missing.

Resting as an Act of Self-Love

If you’re like me, you might struggle with giving yourself permission to rest. Maybe you tell yourself it’s selfish or unproductive. Maybe you fear that slowing down means you’ll fall behind. But let me tell you this: Rest is not selfish. Rest is not lazy. Rest is necessary.

When I rest—even for a few minutes—I’m better equipped to show up for the people and things I love. I have more patience, more energy, more presence. Resting is not just for me; it’s for them too.

A Simple Invitation

If you’re feeling stretched thin, if joy feels distant and life feels like an endless to-do list, I invite you to try this: The next time you feel overwhelmed, set a timer for 10 minutes. Lie down, close your eyes, and breathe. Don’t scroll your phone, don’t plan your day, don’t even try to fall asleep. Just rest.

You might be surprised at what you find in that small, sacred pause. You might find clarity. You might find calm. You might even find joy.

And isn’t that what we’re all searching for in this busy, beautiful, messy life? Joy—not at the finish line, but in the moments we dare to stop. 

What are your thoughts about resting and micro-naps?  I would love for you to share your perspective below.