Reclaiming Rest

Taking Monday off as a radical act of self care

Today I wish I could be the bookshop woman

Dear Friend

How are you feeling today?

Today, I’m feeling ok, but not feeling 100%. I’m making myself take Monday off, weird I know, as you’d think I’d be bouncing off the walls with joy. 

But no not me.  

Maybe you’re like me, letting guilt overrule your thoughts. You see, I’m not very good at taking time off work. I promised myself I’d not work on Mondays and Fridays throughout August. What was I thinking?! To be honest, it’s been fine, but for some reason, taking today off is a struggle.

Why is that?

Why can’t I just lean into a few hours of doing absolutely nothing?!

What about you?

Do you struggle to take time off work?

For many of us, the idea of taking a day off can be accompanied by feelings of guilt or worry.  More often than not, we feel that we should be doing something “productive” or that we’re letting someone down.  

Be gone with you inner critic!

So I’m going to leave it there.

Guilt is the thief of life." — Anthony Hopkins

Today, my focus will on reading and journaling - two activities that help me unwind and connect with myself. Deep down I know I need rest, and acknowledging that it’s ok to step away from the hustle, even if just for a day. Hopefully I’ll lose myself in the characters of my book or maybe a visit to my local bookshop will be the balm for my soul - a hit of bibliotherapy is probably what I need most today.

If my story resonates with you, here are a few therapeutic journaling prompts to help you overcome guilt about taking time off…

1. What feelings arise when I think about taking time off and why?

2. What do I fear might happen if I take a break? Are these fears realistic?

3. What benefits do I notice when I give myself permission to pause and rest?

4.  How does my body feel when I push through without rest versus when I allow myself a break?

5. What beliefs about productivity and rest have I internalised, and where did they come from?

6. What would my ideal day look like and how can I create that experience for myself?

7.  How can I practice self compassion when I feel guilty about taking time off?

8.  What activities truly nourish me and how can I incorporate them into my time off?

9. What would change in my life if I regularly allowed myself to rest without guilt/

10.  Describe a day when you last took time off and enjoyed yourself.

I hope you find them useful.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

What’s On ‘with ease’

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - ONLY 1 BEDROOM LEFT - 16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with another 6 women for the October class.

More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop-27th September 2024. Almost SOLD OUT!

Storytelling with ease & Tim Lott - This day retreat will cover both memoir and fiction.  It will concentrate on the emotional journey of being a writer; but also the practical aspects of how to get your ideas on the page; including creating outlines, generating story ideas and understanding story structure and character development. 25th October 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale. New date just launched. Friday 8th November in Oxfordshire. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.

Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT. 18th-20th October 2024