How Can Moms Rest?

Until recently, I never rested. No really. I didn’t.

I thought rest was for PANSIES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, I have work to do!!!!!!!! We’ll just rest when we’re dead!!!!

Yup – you sure will. And you’ll go much earlier if you don’t learn how to slow the heck down.

I felt like I always had something to do – something to clean – something to cook – something to fold – something to wash. And why would I REST when there was work to be done?

Well – here’s a good reason…

Because God commanded it.

But for whatever reason, I felt like I was immune from that command – like it didn’t apply to me. Because I was strong…and man – I had STUFF TO DO!

Over time, I saw my energy start to decline – I felt burned out and tired – and I played the pity card for myself a lot: look at me, doing all this work…while other folks rest. 

Hello, Stacy Martha (get that reference?). I really think I was on the edge of adrenal fatigue. 

So, how DO moms rest?

How did I learn to slow down one day a week? When everyone needs you and you have people to take care of – is it just a pipe dream? No. 

I take “Sunday off” these days. That doesn’t mean I do no work – I still feed people and take care of my family, but I don’t do much beyond that.

Here’s how I was able to schedule a weekly rest day:

1. I PLANNED for it.

If you KNOW you’re going to take a rest day, that means you know that during the week, you might throw one or two additional tasks in. So, I might cook an extra meal, or do an extra work task for social media. Each day has its proper tasks. Rest has to be planned.

2. I had to LET GO.

You just can’t be in control all of the time.I had to let go of perfection. So what if my kids eat cereal on Sunday (they LOVE THAT, by the way). So what if we wear wrinkly clothing or don’t get a load of laundry done? Will the world end? NO. Paper plates are okay. Better done than perfect. Perfection is a myth.

3. I had to EXECUTE.

For a long time, I would SAY I was going to rest, but I just didn’t. I had it in my brain – but if you don’t act on it, it will never happen. It wasn’t easy for me because I like to work – so the act of DOING the rest was something I really had to put effort in to.

4. I had to get ACCOUNTABILITY.

Barry and my friend Penny keep me accountable. “Are you working?” “Should you be doing that today?” “What have you planned today, Stacy?” When someone is watching you, it makes it easier for you to stand by what you said you’d do.

I know sometimes rest seems unattainable – or like something for people who don’t have a bit TO-DO list, but friend…rest is for you. And when you rest and feel refreshed, you’ll be ready to tackle your work with renewed vigor instead of always living in Burned Out Land. <3