Rising Rooted

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We live in a world that praises the hustle and tells us rest is earned. It’s no wonder so many of us feel guilty at the very thought of doing less. This guilt is compounded by trauma, which can keep the brain on high alert, making rest feel not just unproductive, but unsafe.

But what if doing less wasn’t something to justify? What if it was a necessary act of care for yourself—and an invitation for others to do the same? Let’s explore how we can unlearn productivity culture, find creative ways to simplify life, and lean into rest, even when it feels impossible.

Why Rest Feels So Hard

The Weight of Guilt

Doing less can feel like a failure because we’re taught that our worth is tied to what we produce. When we rest, guilt creeps in: “Am I being lazy?” “What will others think?”

Trauma and High Alert

For those with trauma, rest can feel unsafe. Trauma rewires the brain to stay vigilant, making relaxation difficult, even threatening. This is the body’s way of protecting you, but it can also trap you in cycles of overwork and burnout.

The Fear of Letting People Down

Saying no or delegating tasks can feel like you’re failing the people you care about. But overextending yourself doesn’t serve anyone—it only adds to the exhaustion.

Starting Small: Common Ways to Simplify

Sometimes the most effective ways to simplify life are the simplest:

• Create Space in Your Schedule: Cancel unnecessary commitments or leave open evenings just for rest.
• Unplug: Set designated times to step away from emails and notifications.
• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on what truly needs to be done and let the rest wait.
• Say No with Compassion: Practise saying no to obligations that don’t align with your values or energy. (Check out my previous post on how to actually do this).

These small shifts may seem obvious, but they can create a foundation for bigger, more creative changes.

Creative Ways to Do Less

If traditional advice feels too “blah,” here are some playful, outside-the-box ways to cut back and make rest a reality:

• Delegate (and Let Go): Assign chores to your family members. If they don’t follow through? Live in filth for a week and make a joke of it: “I guess we’re embracing rustic living until the dishes magically clean themselves!”
• Declare a Spending Freeze: Tell your family you’re only spending money on necessities for one month as a mental health practice. It’s an easy “no” to endless requests, and by the time the month is over, they’ll likely forget what they wanted.
• Host a Soup/Cookie Swap: Invite your neighbours to cook a big batch of soup or cookies and trade portions. You’ll get variety without the extra work—and maybe spark some community connection in the process.
• Leave Things Undone: Not everything has to be finished immediately (or ever). Let laundry piles or unread emails sit for a while. Watch what actually needs attention versus what just feels urgent.

Nature-Based Strategies to Embrace Rest

When rest feels challenging, nature can provide a gentle entry point. Its rhythms and beauty remind us that rest isn’t just allowed—it’s essential:

• Go for a Restful Walk: Not for exercise or steps—just to be. Notice the wind, the trees, or the sound of your footsteps.
• Watch the Sky: Whether it’s clouds drifting or stars twinkling, let the vastness of the sky remind you to breathe.
• Bring Nature Inside: Keep fresh flowers or a small plant nearby to ground your space in simplicity.

Leaning into nature’s simplicity can make rest feel less like “wasting time” and more like participating in something bigger.

Rest as Collective Healing

Doing less isn’t just about your well-being—it’s a quiet act of rebellion against a system that profits from exhaustion. When you allow yourself to rest, you model this for others. You create ripples in your family, your community, and beyond.

Rest doesn’t have to be productive to matter. It’s not about doing rest “right”—it’s about unlearning the idea that your value is tied to how much you achieve.

Giving yourself permission to do less is about clearing out the clutter—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s not about earning rest; it’s about reclaiming it. Start small, lean on your community, and trust that every step toward simplicity is a step toward healing—not just for you, but for all of us.

***If you’re interested to learn more about burnout and recovery, check out my other posts about it!

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If this spoke to something in you, there are a few paths you can follow from here:

Each door leads somewhere different. It is my hope that all of them lead back to you.

<3 Rachel