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How to STOP when you need to!

Writer's picture: Susan Broussard LMFTSusan Broussard LMFT

You don’t know how many times I have to tell people over and over to stop. Including myself. When clients come in saying they’re tired, they have no more left to give, they’re frustrated they’re overworked or they’re ready to give up. I tell them to stop. Literally stop what you’re doing, Take time off work, schedule to get away, or take a nap. I understand it’s hard if you need the money, but I also see it as our society not allowing us to build in rest time when our lives are in crisis. It’s really time to listen to your mind and body, and stop.

Knowing when to stop and rest can be challenging, especially if you’re caught up in a task or have a lot on your mind. Here are a few strategies to help you recognize when it’s time to rest:

1. Tune into your body: If you feel physically tired, your energy drops, or you start to experience aches and pains, it’s often a sign that your body needs rest. Pay attention to these signals.

2. Mental fatigue: If your focus wanes, you make more mistakes, or your thoughts feel cloudy, it may be a sign of mental fatigue, meaning it’s time for a break.

3. Set timers or alarms: If you’re prone to overworking, set specific intervals (like the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to remind yourself when it’s time to rest.

4. Prioritize sleep: If you’re feeling consistently exhausted, it might mean you need to adjust your sleep habits. Getting enough rest at night can reduce the need for constant breaks during the day.

5. Practice self-compassion: It’s easy to push through fatigue when you’re focused on getting things done, but it’s essential to remind yourself that rest is productive too. You can’t sustain high performance without giving your mind and body time to recover.

6. Create boundaries: If you’re working on a project, decide ahead of time when you’ll stop. Whether it’s after completing a specific task or at a set time, having clear boundaries can help prevent overexertion.


Being intentional about rest, rather than waiting until you’re completely drained, will keep you more energized and focused overall.

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