You took a nap. You canceled the plans. So why are you still exhausted?
Modern rest is often shallow—optimized but not nourishing. And if you’re like many of the women I support, you’ve tried all the typical strategies: bubble baths, a digital detox, maybe even a wellness retreat. But the fatigue returns. Quickly.
I’m a professor, and my life tends to be pretty hectic during the [fall and spring] semester. So, in May when the semester ended, I gave myself a week to unwind. That week flew by! And I still felt drained even after that break…
If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, here’s what might be happening:
😴 The Real Reason You’re Still Tired
1. You’re mentally overextended, not just physically.
You wake up every day and walk into a wall of tasks that you don’t want to do. Plus, everyone else’s expectations and your own spiraling thoughts are swirling around in your head.
This type of cognitive load doesn’t go away with a nap.
2. Your “rest” is performative.
If your rest still centers productivity—”rest so you can do more work”—you’re not restoring. You’re still operating from a model of: overworking now=justification to rest and have fun later.
3. You’re out of alignment with your actual needs.
Rest isn’t just about sleep. It’s about reconnection—with your rhythms, your values, and your evolving identity.
✅ What to Do Instead
- Start with realignment, not performance.
- Ask: What does my body need? What emotions have I ignored this week?
- Let your rest be inefficient.
✨ Ready to reset for real?
Grab a free copy of the Daily Self-Care Plan for small rituals you can follow throughout the day to feel more grounded and supported.
📌 Pin this post to remind yourself that real rest starts with reconnection.
