Overcoming Guilt and Distractions: Giving Yourself Permission to Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

For many moms, rest feels like an impossible luxury. There’s always something to do—laundry to fold, meals to cook, homework to check, and work deadlines to meet. When we do take a moment to breathe, guilt creeps in, whispering, “You should be doing more.”

But what if rest isn’t a sign of laziness? What if it’s actually an act of obedience to God?

If you’ve ever felt guilty for sitting down while the house is messy, or for taking a break while your to-do list is still full, you’re not alone. Here’s why so many moms wrestle with this:

❌ Society equates busyness with worth – We’ve been conditioned to believe that the more we do, the more valuable we are.
❌ Fear of falling behind – If we stop, who will take care of everything?
❌ Mom guilt – We feel selfish for taking time for ourselves when our family needs us.

But here’s the truth: God never designed motherhood to be a race to exhaustion. In fact, He commands rest—not as an option, but as a necessity.

When God created the world, He did something powerful on the seventh day—He rested.
? Genesis 2:2-3 – "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work."

If the Creator of the universe rested, why do we believe we shouldn’t?

Here’s why rest is not laziness, but obedience:
✔ Rest is a command – God included it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-10).
✔ Rest is trusting God – It reminds us that He is in control, not us.
✔ Rest is essential for spiritual renewal – Jesus often withdrew to rest and pray (Mark 6:31).

When you embrace rest as a holy act, you break free from the guilt and step into God’s rhythm of grace.

Distractions constantly compete for our attention, making rest feel impossible. But with intentionality, you can create space for true, guilt-free rest.

1. Shift Your Mindset

• Rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement.
• You are not a machine—you were created to pause and recharge.

2. Set Boundaries for Rest

• Schedule rest into your day, just like an important meeting.
• Say no to unnecessary commitments that drain you.
• Protect your quiet time with God like you would protect an appointment.

3. Limit Digital Distractions

• Social media and endless scrolling can be mentally exhausting.
• Set a time to disconnect from screens and reconnect with God.

4. Create Small Moments of Stillness

• Deep breaths and silent prayers can reset your heart.
• Take 5 minutes of stillness before bed to reflect on God’s goodness.