Let me guess, you’ve caught yourself saying:

• “I can rest when I finish this deadline.”
• Or, “I’ll slow down after the launch.”
• Or the classic: “Rest is for the weekend.”

Sound familiar?

If you live with a chronic illness, this mindset isn’t just exhausting, it’s unsustainable. And it’s probably one of the last things your body needs. But here’s the kicker: even those of us who know better still fall into this trap. We’ve been trained to tie rest to productivity, as if we need to earn permission to stop.

So today, we’re flipping that script. Because rest without guilt isn’t indulgent, it’s strategic. And when you get it right, it becomes one of your most powerful tools for doing meaningful work without burning out.

1. The ‘Earned Rest’ Mindset: Where Did We Even Get This From?

Let’s be real: the idea that rest must be earned is rooted in hustle culture. We’re taught to glorify exhaustion, idolise overwork, and shame ourselves for needing downtime. This toxic pattern shows up everywhere, from our workplaces to our social media feeds.

For professionals managing chronic illness, this mindset isn’t just outdated, it’s dangerous. When you feel you have to “justify” every break, you’re far more likely to push through warning signs and trigger flares, crashes or relapses. And then what? You’re forced to rest but this time, it’s reactive, not restorative.

2. Rest Isn’t Lazy, It’s Leadership

Imagine if we treated rest as part of the strategy, not the reward.

Because the truth is, rest without guilt sharpens your thinking, improves your mood, and helps you show up better, for your clients, your colleagues, and most importantly, yourself.

💡 In fact, the NHS highlights how rest is vital for managing stress, improving mood, and supporting overall mental wellbeing. Regular restorative breaks protect both cognitive and emotional health, something that’s especially crucial when chronic illness is part of your daily reality.

So no, resting isn’t lazy. It’s leadership. Especially when you’re building a sustainable, values-aligned career with limited energy reserves.

3. Spot the Shame Triggers (And Call Them Out)

Here’s something I see all the time in my community:

You take a break… but spend the entire time feeling guilty about it.

That kind of “rest” isn’t rest at all. It’s shame in a different outfit.

Instead of defaulting to guilt, try asking yourself:

• Would I shame a friend for taking this break?
• Am I resting to recover… or avoiding rest because I think I haven’t ‘earned’ it yet?

Notice the internal narratives that sneak in, and interrupt them with truth.

4. Simple Ways to Practise Rest Without Guilt

You don’t have to overhaul your entire schedule to rest well. Sometimes it’s the tiny, regular pauses that make the biggest difference. Here’s where to start:

• Bookend your day with intentional recovery Even five minutes of quiet breathing, journaling or stretching helps create a boundary between ‘on’ and ‘off’.
• Use the 90-minute energy rhythm Research shows our brains naturally work in 90-minute bursts. After each block, pause… Yes, even if you’re ‘on a roll’.
• Try a ‘non-negotiable break’ mindset Treat rest like a meeting you wouldn’t cancel. It deserves the same respect.

Want more practical strategies to reduce fatigue at work?

👉 Grab my free guide: 5 Powerful Strategies to Reduce Fatigue at Work

5. Redefine Rest as a Tool for Growth

Rest doesn’t mean stepping away from your ambition. It means showing up for it differently.

What if your rest time is when your next big idea brews quietly in the background? What if slowing down was what helped you finally get the clarity or momentum you’ve been missing?

Instead of using rest as a reward, use it as a resource, one that fuels your sustainability, creativity and capacity.

Ready to Work Smarter (Not Sicker)?

If this post hit home, it’s because you already know the old rules don’t work anymore. You’re not lazy. You’re strategic. And you deserve a work rhythm that honours your body and your brilliance.

✨ That’s exactly what we focus on in my 1:1 coaching.

I help ambitious professionals living with chronic illness shift away from burnout-prone habits and build careers that support both their health and their goals. Whether you’re navigating workplace expectations, energy crashes or the never-ending pressure to prove yourself, I’ll help you carve out a path that works for you, not against you.

Together, we’ll:

• Unpick the patterns that drain your energy and self-worth
• Create work systems that match your real capacity (not the one you wish you had)
• Rebuild your professional confidence without sacrificing your wellbeing

👉 Find out more about coaching with me

Want more like this?

Sign up to my newsletter for honest, practical strategies on working with chronic illness, without losing your drive or your mind. It’s like a pep talk and a productivity tip sheet, rolled into one.

👉 Join the newsletter

Disclaimer:

The content in this blog is based on my personal experience of living with chronic illness and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your GP or healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, work routine, or health management. The tips and strategies shared here can be used alongside medical advice to support your well-being.