“Going with the flow” doesn’t happen by wishing we were different. It happens by creating space for regular emotional rest. In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to focus on staying strong, pushing through challenges, and ignoring the emotional weight we carry. But here’s the thing—emotional health is just as vital as physical well-being. Without it, we risk accumulating stress, leading to burnout. Compassion fatigue is real, and we need to address it.

Managing Expectations: Find What Works for You

Before discussing emotional rest, let’s manage expectations. The practices we’ve discussed so far—and what I’ll share today—are just starting points. Think of them like a buffet table: Take what resonates with you, and don’t stress about what isn’t appealing.

We all have unique needs. What works wonders for one person may not be the perfect fit for another. This journey is about finding what nourishes your mind, body, and spirit. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s perfectly okay.

Why Feeling Fully is the Key to True Well-Being

In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to maintain a strong exterior and power through challenges without pausing to acknowledge our feelings. But here’s the truth: emotional health is just as important as physical strength. When we ignore our emotions, stress builds up, eventually leading to mental and emotional burnout.

This week, let’s explore emotional rest—the practice of allowing ourselves to fully feel and express our emotions. Whether it’s joy, sadness, frustration, love, or grief, every emotion deserves to be acknowledged. By processing these feelings, we release our emotional weight and create room for genuine happiness, peace, and acceptance.

Ways to Nurture Emotional Rest

You’ve probably heard a lot of advice about setting personal boundaries, learning to say no, and finding safe spaces to express your feelings without judgment. While all of these are essential, they can feel challenging without the right tools to reconnect with our emotions.

That’s why I’ve included three of my favorite tools for emotional rest in the resource section at the end of this post. These foundational tools help you stop pretending, let go of the masks we often wear, and find real emotional balance. The more we allow ourselves to feel fully, the lighter and more joyful our lives become.

Take Action: Are You Giving Yourself the Emotional Rest You Need?

Take a moment to reflect: Are you genuinely granting yourself the emotional rest you need? Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling to find emotional balance or feel overwhelmed. As your coach, I’m here to support you every step on this journey to emotional peace.

Wishing you the emotional rest and peace you so richly deserve. Let’s take this step together toward a more balanced, authentic life.

Resources:

1. I used to post this SOBER graphic in my classroom and was surprised by the number of students who came to ask me about it. For the record, this strategy is approved by teenagers. 😉
2. Where are my journalers? This stress diary has been revolutionary for my journal-loving clients. See if you feel the same way.  
3. This strategy is excellent to use when you feel overwhelmed by emotion and need a moment to settle before titrating into the sensation of your feelings.