Why do I feel guilty resting?
When being still makes you feel like you have forgotten something.
Illustrative photo: Unsplash
The value of doing
If praise has often followed achievement or being useful, stopping can feel uncomfortable. The guilt is real even when you have done nothing wrong.
Notice the rule you are following
Try finishing the sentence, “I can rest only when…” Is the answer ever truly achievable? It can be revealing to notice the conditions you place on recovery.
Permission to practise
Start with a short period of rest without turning it into a performance goal. If guilt keeps showing up, therapy can help explore where the rule came from.
These reflections are educational and not a diagnosis or substitute for professional care.
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