6 Signs You Need Rest: A Guide for the Chronically Strong

The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about.

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You're everyone's rock - the one who makes things happen. The person others call "strong" and rely on. But here's the truth: even the most resilient rocks can crumble under constant pressure.

Dr. Emily Nagoski's research revealed something crucial: our bodies keep a detailed ledger of stress, even when our minds have filed it away as "handled." This hidden tracking is similar to how your phone's battery operating system functions—quietly monitoring power levels in the background. Just as your phone sends alerts when the battery runs low, your body and mind have an alert system. However, many of us have learned to ignore these warnings, pushing through until we eventually crumble or burn out.

Here are six signs your internal battery is running low and could be signaling it's time to rest and recharge:

1. Deepening Exhaustion

This type of exhaustion is not ordinary tiredness. When you sleep for 6 to 8 hours but still wake up feeling unrefreshed, that's your first warning sign. You don't just need rest; you require deep, restorative peace to recharge. This rejuvenation comes when you finally release what you've been carrying.

2. Draining Energy

When simple decisions feel overwhelming—like choosing which bill to pay first, what to eat, or managing your to-do list—it may indicate that your internal battery is running low. Tasks that were once easy now require more effort.

3. Dwindling Joy

The people, places, and activities that usually bring you joy suddenly feel unexciting. Your favorite show is no longer interesting, and your hobby starts to feel like a chore. Your happiness hasn't vanished; it's likely buried beneath layers of exhaustion, waiting for you to clear away the distractions.

4. Desiring Solitude

There's a profound difference between wanting healthy alone time and the world to stop making demands while you catch up. If social interaction—even with people you love—makes you think twice, your social battery isn't just low—it's on life support.

5. Distress Signals

Your body is far wiser than you may realize. Here are some physical SOS signals to watch for:

- Recurring headaches

- Digestive issues

- Persistent muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, or jaw

- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns

- Increased irritability or emotional reactivity

- Elevated blood pressure

- Inflammation

- Frequent rashes, illnesses, or a weakened immune system

These signals are not random; your body is trying to get your attention.

6. Diminishing Drive

You've always been ambitious with your goals and dreams, but lately, that passion feels more like a flicker than a flame. Don't blame yourself if your motivation feels like an obligation rather than an excitement. You're not losing your edge or spark; your internal system may be protecting you from complete burnout.

The Path Forward

Do you recognize any of the low-battery warnings in yourself? If so, here's your permission slip to rest and recharge:

1. Acknowledge

Recognizing your need for rest isn't a sign of weakness or being inadequate—it's a mark of wisdom. True strength lies not in pushing through but in honoring your limits.

2. Start Small

• Decline one non-essential commitment this week.

• Take 15 minutes of solitude in the morning before checking your phone.

• Set a firm end time for your workday and honor it as you would a meeting with someone who's a big deal (because you are).

  
  

3. Create Boundaries

 "No" is a complete sentence. Stop sacrificing your well-being to please others. Those who value you will respect your limits; those who don't aren't worthy of your energy.

Remember: Rest isn't a reward for hard work—it's the foundation that allows you to be productive. Your worth is not measured by how much you accomplish.

Slow and steady wins the race.

The goal is to move along the continuum from struggling to surviving, from surviving to striving, and ultimately to thriving.

I wish you the courage to choose yourself.

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Are you ready to create a more balanced life where strength doesn't mean sacrifice? As a certified professional coach, I offer personalized strategies to help you thrive, not just survive. Book a coaching session today