When Rest Feels Hard

Rest seems like it should be easy—especially when you’re in pain. You’re exhausted, your body is asking for relief, and everyone says, “Just take it easy.” But for many people living with chronic pain, slowing down can feel surprisingly uncomfortable.

Maybe you’ve noticed that rest doesn’t come easily. You try to slow down, but your mind keeps racing. You hear an inner voice whispering, “You’re being lazy,” or “You should be doing more.” Guilt starts to show up. Maybe even frustration—why is it so hard to just stop? And sometimes, when you do finally pause, the pain feels even worse. That can be confusing, discouraging, and hard to sit with.

But there’s a reason for it.

When your nervous system has been in go-mode for a long time—especially in response to chronic stress, trauma, or years of pushing through pain—rest doesn’t always feel like relief. It can feel unfamiliar. Even unsafe. Stillness gives space for emotions, memories, or body sensations to rise to the surface. And without tools or support, that can trigger old patterns of tension and self-protection. The body braces. The mind resists. Rest becomes one more thing that feels out of reach.

The key isn’t to force rest or judge yourself for struggling with it—it’s to gently prepare for it.

Small practices can help create safety around slowing down. Things like grounding your feet on the floor, taking a slow breath with one hand on your chest, or tapping through a wave of resistance using EFT. Even short moments of guided relaxation or gentle movement can signal to your system: It’s okay to pause. You’re not in danger.

And over time, the nervous system begins to learn that it doesn’t always have to be on high alert.

That it’s possible to rest without falling apart. That stillness can become a space where healing is supported—not a place your nervous system has to fear.”

This isn’t about doing rest perfectly. It’s about creating moments of permission.

Moments where you listen to your body with care instead of criticism.

Rest isn’t weakness. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be practiced, refined, and made your own.

Even five minutes of softening matters. Especially when your body has spent so long bracing.