“Feeling Guilty About Resting? How to Let Go of Laziness Myths and Prevent Burnout”

Do you feel lazy when you sit down to rest? Perhaps you feel guilty when you pause your ‘To Do List’ and switch on Netflix. Maybe that guilt grows into shame when the next episode plays and you haven’t “achieved” enough.

The truth is, we all need rest. Yet when we don’t allow ourselves to take it, the impact can ripple through our lives:

• We feel constantly exhausted, as though life is one long treadmill.

• We cancel the enjoyable things because there’s no energy left, and life becomes less fulfilling.

• We feel so overwhelmed by the ‘To Do List’ that we end up doing nothing—then carry even more guilt.

• We keep pushing until burnout leaves us physically and mentally drained.

Where does this belief come from?

Often, the idea that rest equals laziness doesn’t start with us. It can come from childhood or earlier experiences. Maybe you grew up in a family of “doers and achievers,” where activity and productivity were praised above all else. Maybe teachers labelled you lazy if you weren’t constantly working. Or perhaps you learned that your worth came from putting others first and keeping busy, not from simply being.

Over time, these messages take root. Listening to your own needs can feel alien or even wrong. If you were rewarded for always doing more, you might now fear that slowing down means others won’t value you—that you’re only loved or respected when you’re constantly providing.

Reframing rest to help prevent burnout

But here’s the truth: rest isn’t laziness—it’s repair.

Rest (verb): to cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.

Think of a close friend who is exhausted and running on empty. Would you call them lazy for lying down, or would you see it as essential for their well-being? Most likely, you’d encourage them to rest to prevent burnout. So why do you treat yourself differently?

The benefits of rest

When you allow yourself to rest, you’ll begin to notice:

• More energy for both the “have-tos” and the “want-tos.”

• Clearer focus and sharper concentration at work.

• A brighter mood, with fewer irritable or snappy moments—helping your relationships too.

• A sense of being more grounded and present, rather than life just rushing past you.

• Lower anxiety and stress levels.

• A stronger immune system and better overall health.

• Tasks getting done more smoothly and efficiently, with less overwhelm.

Rest is not indulgence—it’s self-care in its simplest, most powerful form. It supports both your body and your mind, allowing you to show up more fully in every area of life.

Final thoughts

We’ve looked today at the belief that resting is lazy: where it comes from, how it impacts you, and why it’s simply not true. Taking rest may still feel difficult at first, especially if you’ve always been the one who “just keeps going” and others rely on you. But the people who truly care for you won’t mind when you slow down. In fact, they’ll want you well and whole.

If you struggle to give yourself permission to rest, counselling can help. It can support you to understand these old beliefs, listen to your needs, and find a healthier balance—so you can live with more energy, peace, and fulfilment.

For counselling support in Sevenoaks please call 07551 195435 or contact me at joanne@joanneosheacounselling.co.uk