Rest. A concept which I struggled with for so long. As someone who has previously tied her worth to both movement and steps, as well as academics and grades, resting my body and mind was something that I couldn’t do.

Despite the journey I have been on recently, I still panic when I feel myself getting ill, for example, or when I’m too tired to do work. Now I am in the working world, it’s harder to listen to my body when it’s telling me to stop. I know you can’t, in reality, have a day off (or longer) due to ‘needing a rest’, as everyone feels like this from time to time, but what you can do is tell yourself not to push too hard today, take things slower and prioritise your physical and mental health.

If you’re an overachiever like me, you may resonate with this. Whether that is in the form of feeling the need to do movement, even when your body is screaming ‘no’, or when you face exhaustion and burn out from work or studies. Regardless of the scenario, you have to put yourself first.

When your feeling this way, focus on what emotions and thoughts arise. Do you feel guilty? Are you calling yourself lazy? Although these thoughts aren’t uncommon, they are something which we must get to the bottom of. This comes from intense mindfulness practices, such as shadow work and looking into your limiting beliefs.

Limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts or convictions that constrain your abilities, actions, and potential. These beliefs are often self-imposed and not necessarily reflective of external reality, manifesting as negative thoughts or doubts about your capabilities or worth. Frequently rooted in fear, such as fear of failure, rejection, or inadequacy, they involve overgeneralisations like “I always fail” or “I can never do that.” As a result, they create perceived barriers that prevent individuals from pursuing their goals or trying new things.

Some common examples of limiting beliefs include thoughts like “I am not good enough,” “I don’t deserve success,” “I will never be able to do that,” or “I am too old/young to start something new.” Other examples are “I can’t change my career,” “I always fail at this,” “I don’t have the skills or talent for that,” “I must be perfect to succeed,” “I am not smart enough,” and “Others are better than me.”

The impact of limiting beliefs can be profound. They stifle potential by discouraging you from taking risks or pursuing opportunities, leading to procrastination and avoidance behaviours driven by a fear of failure or inadequacy. Persistent limiting beliefs erode self-esteem and confidence over time, causing you to miss out on personal and professional growth opportunities. Additionally, constant negative self-talk contributes to increased stress and anxiety levels.

To overcome limiting beliefs, it is crucial first to identify and acknowledge them. Once recognised, these beliefs should be challenged by questioning their validity and seeking evidence to the contrary. Reframing the thought into a more positive, empowering one can help, followed by taking small steps towards goals despite fear or doubt.

Conclusion

So, are you telling yourself that you must keep pushing yourself to the limit – again, in what ever scenario you are in (academics, exercise etc.)? If so, remember that your worth is not – and will never be – tied to these superficial ideas in your head. Of course movement matters and succeeding and excelling in the academic or professional environment is a positive thing as it shows ambition, however when you tie all of this to how good of a person you are, you start going down a slippery slope. Schedule in those rest days and listen to your body when it’s telling you to chill. Don’t bombard yourself with endless to do lists. Stay calm and find ways to combat your stress – you’ve got this! 💪🏼