Creating Your Rest Plan

Shift Ahead: You don’t need a perfect plan—you need one that fits you. This chapter helps you create a gentle rhythm of rest that works in your real life.

In Practice: Every time I tried to build a self-care routine, it fell apart. Too many rules. Too many steps. I’d miss one thing and spiral into guilt.

What finally worked? A note to self on my fridge that said: “FREE Rest Time” Some days it meant laying on the couch with a good book. Other days it was saying no to a text.

The moment I stopped chasing structure and started honoring rhythm, things shifted. I learned my body already knew when it needed a break—I just had to listen without judgment. A rest plan doesn’t need to be rigid. It just needs to be real.

Let’s make a rest plan that doesn’t overwhelm you.

Start with one “REST” time. Just one. Even 5 minutes is enough.

Consider this:

• What time of day do you feel the most overloaded and should rest instead?

• Where in your environment do you feel most calm?

• What sensory inputs help soothe you?

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Then, commit to one boundary you’ll protect this week to honor your rest. Maybe it’s saying “no” to a call. Or not cooking dinner three nights in a row. Or skipping that social event.

Your rest plan doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.

Shift Question: What’s one small way you can choose rest right now—without guilt?

Shift Notes:

• Rest doesn’t require a retreat. Just a pause.

• It’s okay to start tiny. That’s still progress.

• Build a rhythm, not a rigid rule.

Try This: Design your “rest time.” What space, what time, and what action will support you best right now?