For the woman who never stops: Not Every Moment needs a purpose

By: Marissa Pollet

For so many women and moms, sitting down can feel like the beginning of a mental checklist, a bombardment of things you should be doing instead of taking a moment to breathe.

I should throw in another load of laundry.

I need to answer that text.

I could clean the kitchen.

I should get dinner started.

I have ten minutes—I should probably do something and not take any time for myself.

Even when the house is finally quiet and there is nowhere we need to be, we can feel almost uncomfortable sitting still.

Why?

Because somewhere along the way, many of us learned to measure our days by what we accomplished and how much we did for everyone else.

When Did Rest Start Feeling Like Something We Had to Earn?

As women, and especially as moms, we often become the planners, the organizers, the caretakers, and the ones who remember everything. There is always someone or something that needs our attention, and when there isn’t that pressing need, we may not know what to do with that silence. Doing nothing can make us feel guilty or lazy that any few moments of rest should be spent doing something productive.

But here's the thing:

You don't have to be useful every minute of the day.

You are allowed to simply exist. Doing nothing is not wasting time.

Sit on the couch with your coffee.

Watch the rain.

Listen to music.Stay in bed for an extra five minutes.

Stare out the window.

Take a walk with no direction, just relaxation.

Sit in moments of quiet and let your mind unwind.

None of these things have a purpose other than allowing yourself to be still. Sometimes your brain doesn’t need another task; it needs a break from that very notion. Your body may need to pause more than you realize.

Give Yourself Permission to Stop

The next time you find yourself with a rare moment when nobody needs you, try not to immediately fill it.

Don't clean something just because you can.

Don’t grab your phone because silence feels uncomfortable.

Don’t convince yourself that you should be doing something more productive.

Just sit.

Take a breath.

Let yourself be still.

The Simple Moments

Your value isn't measured by how clean your house is, how many things you checked off your list, or how much you did for everyone else today. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for yourself, and ultimately the people who depend on you, is to stop and allow for mental recharging. You are allowed to have moments that accomplish nothing but simply just existing; they may be the moments you need the most.

Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well-balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!