Why do I struggle to switch off, even when I’m exhausted?

Ever notice that when you finally slow down, your anxiety gets louder? It’s strange how rest (the very thing we crave), can make us feel quite uncomfortable.

This issue? Your nervous system, simply see's rest as a state. 

One that only feels possible when your body believes it’s safe. 

If you’ve spent years running on stress, achievement or responsibility, your system has learned that movement = safety. 

Stillness can feel like danger, because it means letting go of the very strategies that kept you going (and feed your sense of worth).

A practice to try this week:

• Sit quietly and set a 5 minute timer

• Inhale slowly through your nose for four counts, exhale slowly for six.

• As you breath out, repeat quietly in your mind “I am safe as I am”

This process will help to teach your body that stillness can be safe (which is your new mission).

If you’d like to explore your relationship to rest in therapy, we have appointments available as early as this week.

P.S. Forward this to someone who keeps saying “I just need a break.”