Give Yourself a Break: Why Feeling Bad Isn’t the Answer

Taking the day off, not answering texts, or watching a cheesy movie doesn’t mean you’re off the reservation or wasting your life.

Come on, give yourself a break.

This week I’ve been struggling with hay fever, which has made me feel exhausted and lethargic. I’ve felt a twinge of guilt for not working as much as usual, for not walking as much, and I didn’t vacuum, I know, right… who even am I? Hahaha.

But it’s been a good chance to notice how easily I slip into that old trap of thinking I am wasting my time resting, which quickly becomes I am not being productive today, am I wasting my life? And honestly, that’s such bullshit.

Feeling bad because you have dark or uncomfortable feelings about another person isn’t right either. Someone said to me this week that they felt bad for having bad thoughts about someone. Jeez Louise, bad thoughts are okay! We all have them. Feeling bad about them is like hitting yourself on the head with a rose tree branch, painful and very silly.

Someone else said they’d “indulged” in watching a chick flick, and the sad thing is, I knew exactly what they meant. Like it was some guilty pleasure, as if they’d eaten a whole cake. Oh my goddess, why have we become so hard on ourselves?

Since when did watching a cheesy movie or taking any little moment for yourself mean you’re being indulgent or unhealthy?

From childhood, society, family, and culture have taught us that our needs come second. That resting, saying no, or even enjoying something simple is wrong or selfish. But this guilt is a learned habit, not a truth. Our brains are wired to anticipate judgment, but feeling bad for being human isn’t necessary.

Here’s a better way to think about it.

Taking a break today doesn’t make you lazy; it makes you human.

Feeling frustrated, tired, or annoyed is normal; honour it without shame.

Doing something simple, like watching a movie or taking time off, doesn’t make you indulgent. It makes you alive.

Feeling uncomfortable with your honest thoughts or needs is normal. Feeling guilty for them is unnecessary.

Start noticing when “I feel bad” shows up. Pause. Name your feeling. Replace it with something truthful.

• I need rest today, and that’s okay.

• I’m giving myself a break, and that’s healthy.

• I feel frustrated, and that’s human.

Let’s be gentler with ourselves, babe. Life is busy, noisy, and full of expectations. You don’t need to carry the weight of unnecessary guilt.

Honour your feelings, babe, honour your needs, and give yourself permission to be human.

You are so lovely and human xxx

I am super happy that you are with me.

Love and cheesy movies,

Caron xoxo