Rest is so important, especially when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or on the verge of burnout.

I can tend to get in periods of time where I’m less likely to be productive and feel myself slipping into an episode of not wanting to do basic tasks.

When I find myself in that space, I know it’s time to be intentional about taking rest.

These journal prompts are meant to make you more comfortable with leaning into rest and listening to your body.

Let’s refocus on our self compassion and self care with reflection on why you deserve and need to rest.

Allowing yourself to rest journal prompts:

when you feel burnt out

What are the signs I notice when I’m approaching burnout?
How do I usually respond when I start to feel drained?
What small steps could I take today to ease my mind and body?
How can I remind myself that rest is productive, too?
What activities no longer serve me when I’m tired or overwhelmed?
What boundaries could I set to protect my energy?
What would it look like if I gave myself permission to do nothing for a day?
How can I make space for rest before I reach the breaking point?
What does true restoration look like for me right now?
What does balance mean to me at this stage of my life?

self compassion while resting

Why do I feel guilty when I take time to rest?
How can I reframe rest as an act of love toward myself?
What does it mean to be gentle with myself?
When was the last time I truly rested without feeling pressure to perform?
How does being kind to myself change how I experience rest?
What does emotional rest look like for me?
How can I nurture myself through my low-energy moments?
In what ways can I thank my body for carrying me through exhaustion?

redefining productivity

How do I measure my value when I’m not accomplishing things?
What would it mean to detach my worth from how much I do?
What does rest add to my productivity in the long run?
How do I feel when I rest without guilt?
What does “enough” look like for me today?
What would happen if I allowed rest to be part of my routine instead of a reward?
How can slowing down help me show up better for what matters most?
What’s one small thing I can do today that aligns with intentional rest?
What messages about productivity did I learn growing up? How can I rewrite them now to include rest?

honoring your body’s needs

What does my body need right now?
How do I usually respond when my body tells me to slow down?
What sensations tell me I’m pushing too hard?
How can I better tune into my body’s signals for rest?
How do I nourish my body during times of exhaustion?
How can I offer my body more gratitude?
What small rituals help me unwind and release tension?
How does rest improve how I feel physically?
What habits drain my energy the fastest?
How can I soften my inner expectations when my energy dips?
When was the last time I truly listened to what my body needed?

emotional & mental rest

What emotions am I holding onto that need rest, too?
How can I allow myself to pause emotionally, not just physically?
What thoughts make it hard for me to relax?
How can I gently quiet my inner noise?
What does mental peace feel like to me?
How do I create space in my mind for stillness?
What activities help me recharge emotionally?
When was the last time I felt mentally clear?
How can I let go of the need to control everything?
What helps me unwind after emotional exhaustion?
How can I slow my thoughts when I’m overstimulated?
What boundaries protect my peace of mind?
What helps me emotionally reset when I feel drained?
How can I prioritize rest for my mental health?
How do I want to feel when I wake up tomorrow?

being intentional with rest

What does intentional rest mean to me?
How can I plan rest into my schedule without guilt?
What kind of rest do I crave most right now: physical, emotional, or spiritual?
How can I create a calming space that supports rest?
What times of day do I feel most at ease?
How can I bring more stillness into those moments?
What would a restful week look like for me?
What small joys help me recharge?
How do I feel after taking time to truly rest?

journal prompts for allowing yourself to rest