We need to talk.
You know that thing where you finally sit down to do literally anything for yourself, and suddenly your brain is like “but what about that text you haven’t answered” or “shouldn’t you be productive right now” or my personal fave, “people are gonna think you’re lazy”?
Yeah, that. We’re done with that energy.
The Guilt Trip Needs to Stop
Here’s the tea: somewhere between our Instagram feeds being 90% hustle culture and the other 10% being people who seem to have their entire life together at 23, we all collectively decided that taking care of ourselves is… negotiable? Optional? Something we have to earn?
Absolutely not. No cap, that’s actually unhinged when you think about it.
We’ll literally feel guilty about taking a nap but then stay up until 3am doom scrolling through situations that aren’t even our business. Make it make sense.
You’re Not the Main Character in Everyone Else’s Story (And That’s Fine)
Real talk: most people are not sitting around wondering why you said no to plans or why you’re not online 24/7. They’re too busy dealing with their own stuff. And if someone IS keeping tabs on your every move and judging you for resting? Bestie, that’s their red flag to deal with, not yours.
You canceling plans to recharge isn’t you being flaky—it’s you being self-aware. There’s a difference, and we’re going to start acknowledging it.
Your Body Keeps Sending You Invoices
That random anxiety spike? The way you can’t focus on anything? The fact that you’ve had a headache for three days straight? Your body is literally sending you invoices for all the rest you’ve been skipping out on.
And unlike your student loans, these actually need to be paid immediately.
Your nervous system isn’t here to play. It will humble you. It will make you feel physically ill until you listen. So maybe—and hear me out—we could just… listen the first time?
“But I Don’t Have Time” is a Scam We Sold Ourselves
Okay so you have time to:
- Watch an entire season of something in two days
- Scroll through TikTok for checks notes an hour and a half
- Overthink that text from 2019
- Reorganize your camera roll
But not 10 minutes to sit in silence or take a walk or literally just breathe without doing seventeen other things?
Babe. The math isn’t mathing.
We’re not saying delete all your apps and become a meditation girlie who wakes up at 5am (unless that’s your vibe, then slay). We’re just saying maybe we stop treating rest like it’s a luxury item we can’t afford.
Your Energy is Literally Your Currency
You can’t pour from an empty cup and all that, but also? You shouldn’t have to be completely drained before you’re “allowed” to refill.
You wouldn’t wait for your phone to die completely every single time before charging it. You’d charge it when it hits 20%, maybe 30% if you’re feeling spicy. So why are we out here running on 3% for weeks and then wondering why we’re burnt out?
Your energy is how you show up in the world. For your friends, your work, your goals, your relationships—all of it. And if you’re constantly running on fumes, you’re not showing up as your best self for anyone, including you.
Permission Slip Signed by: Reality
Here’s what we’re authorizing, effective immediately:
You have permission to:
- Say no without a 47-page explanation
- Cancel plans when you’re not feeling it (yes, even if you already said yes)
- Take a mental health day that looks like absolutely nothing
- Unfollow accounts that make you feel like you’re not doing enough
- Have a whole day where your only achievement is that you existed
- Not respond to messages right away (or at all, honestly)
- Prioritize sleep over literally anything else
- Admit you’re overwhelmed without having to prove it
- Exist without optimizing every single moment
The Vibe Shift We Actually Need
Mindful living isn’t about adding MORE to your routine. It’s not another thing on your to-do list. It’s literally just about being intentional with your energy and stopping the glorification of being busy and burnt out.
It’s choosing yourself even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s recognizing that rest is productive. It’s understanding that you’re a human being, not a human doing.
It’s giving “I’m my own priority” and honestly? That’s the energy we’re taking into this era.
So Here’s Your Actual Permission Slip
You don’t need anyone’s permission to take care of yourself, but if you needed to hear it from someone today, here it is:
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s literally the baseline.
You’re not being dramatic. You’re not being lazy. You’re not asking for too much. You’re literally just trying to exist without burning out, and that’s not just valid—it’s necessary.
So go take that nap. Set that boundary. Say no. Turn off your phone. Stare at the ceiling. Do the face mask. Don’t do the face mask. Whatever you need.
Your future self will thank you. Your present self deserves it. And honestly? The world will survive without you being accessible 24/7.
This is your permission slip. You’re welcome.
Now go be delulu about your self-worth and delusional about how much rest you deserve (which is: a lot).
No notes. Just rest. We’ll be here when you get back. 💗
