FINDING REST WHEN TRADITIONAL REST ISN'T POSSIBLE

Life can be a constant whirlwind—work, family, personal goals, and the unexpected curveballs that come along. In the midst of it all, it sometimes feels impossible to find true rest. Maybe you’re in a season where rest just isn’t happening in the traditional sense. The kind of rest that comes from taking a break, sleeping in, or having a few quiet hours to recharge. Instead, you’re juggling a full-time job, a family that needs your attention, and maybe even starting a new venture or navigating the demands of the holiday season. I get it. You feel like there’s no room for rest because everything and everyone needs something from you.

I’m in that boat myself. I work full time. I have a husband and four kids. We recently relocated from one state to another. I started a business a few months ago. The holidays are upon us.

So yeah, its tough – TOUGH! – to find time to decompress.

But here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t find ways to take care of yourself, you’ll eventually run out of steam. The people who rely on you—the kids, the clients, the coworkers—they need you to be at your best. And that’s only possible if you make time for your own well-being, even when traditional rest seems out of reach.

Here are some practical ideas for how to continue caring for your mental and physical health while managing the busy demands of your life.

Mental Health: Finding Space to Recharge

When you’re constantly on the go, your mind can become cluttered and overwhelmed. Finding ways to cultivate mental clarity is key in a busy season.

1. Inspiring Audiobooks or Podcasts: Sometimes rest can come in the form of a new idea or perspective. Audiobooks are a great way to nourish your mind while you do other things, like washing dishes or driving. Choose something inspiring or uplifting to feed your spirit and give your mind a break from the chaos.

   
   

2. Music that Fills Your Cup: There’s something about the right music that can instantly elevate your mood. Whether it’s calming, energizing, or uplifting, play music that helps you feel grounded, focused, or even motivated.

   
   

3. Chats with Friends: Make time for deep, meaningful conversations. Connecting with a friend who truly listens can be a lifeline. Don’t hesitate to tell them when you need more encouragement or a regular check-in during challenging times. Vulnerability can be a powerful form of rest.

   
   

4. Clarity Breaks: Take brief moments of quiet throughout your day to clear your mind. Even if it’s just five minutes, stepping away from the demands of your schedule can give you the clarity you need to continue without feeling overwhelmed.

   
   

5. Cut Yourself Some Slack: Perfection is a myth. Be kind to yourself and recognize that you’re doing the best you can. Sometimes the most restorative thing is simply letting go of unrealistic expectations and being realistic about what you can accomplish in a day.

Physical Health: Nourishing Your Body

Your body is the vessel that carries you through all of your responsibilities, and it deserves to be cared for, especially in busy times.

1. Eat Well: It’s tempting to grab whatever is convenient when you're pressed for time, but nourishing your body with good food is essential for maintaining energy and focus. Even if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, try to keep healthy snacks on hand, like fruits, nuts, or granola bars.

   
   

2. Move Your Body: Exercise doesn’t have to be a long workout at the gym. A 15-minute walk, stretching, or dancing around the living room can help release stress and refresh your body. Find small ways to stay active even on the busiest days.

   
   

3. Sleep: Sleep is one of the first things that gets sacrificed when life gets hectic, but it’s essential for recovery and energy. If your mind is racing before bed, try journaling to clear out intrusive thoughts. Writing down your worries can help you sleep better and wake up with a clearer mind.

   
   

4. Be a Plant: Just like a plant needs sunlight and water, your body thrives with ample sunlight and hydration. Get outside when you can, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and drink plenty of water to keep your body and mind functioning at their best.

Reducing the Load: Lightening the Mental Burden

When life feels like it’s spinning out of control, it can be helpful to streamline and simplify where you can.

1. Delegate and Elevate: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to others when possible, whether that’s asking your partner to help with household chores or assigning responsibilities to older children. If you're running a business, consider outsourcing tasks that drain your energy, or handing them off to a capable associate.

   
   

2. Be Selective in What You Say Yes To: Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout. Prioritize commitments that align with your values and goals, and don’t hesitate to say no to things that don’t serve your well-being.

   
   

3. Let Go of Perfection: Perfection is an unrealistic standard that only adds pressure. Whether it’s in your work, your home, or your relationships, let go of the need to do everything flawlessly. Embrace imperfection—it’s where growth and rest can coexist.

   
   

4. Prioritize: When you have a million things on your plate, it’s crucial to assess what needs your immediate attention and what can wait. Create a simple list of priorities each day and focus on the tasks that are most important, leaving the less critical ones for another time.

Create a Self-Care Toolkit

Sometimes, when life feels overwhelming, it can be helpful to have a visual reminder of the simple ways you can take care of yourself. Consider creating a self-care toolkit—a list or collection of ideas for easy and effective ways to nurture your mental, physical, and emotional health. Keep it in a visible place so you can reference it when needed.

Your toolkit might include:

• A favorite audiobook or playlist for moments when you need mental rest.

• A reminder to step outside for a walk or stretch.

• A list of friends you can call for support.

• A note to practice gratitude before bed.

• A list of things you can delegate or let go of to reduce your load.

By creating this toolkit, you have a set of quick, actionable strategies to help you feel more balanced during a busy season.

Final Thoughts

Finding rest doesn’t always mean taking a break in the traditional sense. In fact, during seasons of intense busyness, it’s more about strategically caring for yourself in small, sustainable ways. Prioritize your well-being—mentally, physically, and emotionally—and give yourself permission to simplify where possible. You may not have a lot of time to rest, but you can still take care of yourself so you can show up as the best version of you for your family, your work, and your goals.

About the Author ​

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Hailey Nogler, co-founder of Beacon & Blade, is an Integrator and entrepreneur with a knack for solving tough challenges—shining a light on the core issues and cutting through them with precision. Known for her intentional, measured, and decisive approach, Hailey guides leadership teams through complex dynamics with care and directness, empowering them to make confident and impactful decisions. She’s passionate about mentoring, building strong processes, and helping teams grow through hands-on guidance and training. Outside of work, Hailey dedicates herself to her family and enjoys pursuing her personal passions with the same intentionality she brings to her clients.

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Contact Hailey at hailey@beaconandblade.com.

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