For as long as I can remember, the week after the holidays was my time for "catch up". Cleanup from all the holiday entertaining, gifts to put away, and an endless list of "shoulds" calling my name. Even on New Year’s Day—a day meant to symbolize a fresh start—I felt compelled to dive into my to-do list, as if productivity was the only acceptable way to begin the year. But why?

When I paused to reflect, I realized this productivity buzz wasn’t about progress; it was about guilt. Rest felt indulgent, even irresponsible, after the flurry of the holidays and time off from work. I’d spent weeks going, doing, and giving, and now the gentle pace of this day felt almost threatening - it gave me a level of angst. Journaling helped me peel away at the layers of these feelings. On the page, I uncovered the stories I’d been telling myself: that rest was lazy, that I had too much to do, that I have to dive back into work tomorrow so if not NOW, when? and that making progress meant doing more, not less.

Through reflection and writing, I was able to question these beliefs. What if rest wasn’t indulgence but preparation? What if taking a day to breathe, reflect, and reset was the most productive choice I could make? Intellectually, I knew this, but by journaling my intentions for this day and the weeks ahead, I discovered a way to embrace rest without guilt. Instead of cleaning up the house, I chose to clear space in my mind for what mattered most as I reset for the days, weeks and year ahead.

As you work through your thoughts, remember that rest isn’t the opposite of progress - it's often the foundation for it.

Struggling with a similar resistance to rest?

Try journaling through these prompts:

• What makes me feel guilty about resting today?
• How would embracing rest today allow me to show up better tomorrow or this week?
• What do I truly want to focus on today (and this week)?
• What is one thing calling for my attention right now, and why does it feel urgent? Is it truly urgent, or can it wait?

Explore our Tools for LYFE collection for free reflection guides to help you start the year grounded and intentional. Or connect with us to discuss customized tools for your coaching business. Click the images below to learn more.