When Life Feels Heavy: Why It’s Okay to Pause and Heal

‘LPT: When your mental health isn’t in the best state, give yourself a break. Don’t feel guilty for things you can’t do. Normal things like eating, sleeping or socialising may be difficult, it’s okay to struggle. Rest, recover, be kind to yourself and know the bad times are temporary’

Everyday tasks like eating or socializing can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. Giving yourself permission to rest helps you recharge, making tough moments feel less permanent and more manageable.

Why does this work? First, acknowledging your struggle reduces the pressure to perform perfectly. Mental health ebbs and flows, and pushing through can worsen stress or burnout. By pausing, you give your mind space to reset, like a phone needing a recharge. Second, self-compassion boosts resilience.

Studies show that treating yourself kindly, like you would a friend, lowers anxiety and improves mood over time. Third, recognizing bad times as temporary shifts your mindset. It’s easier to cope when you know the fog will lift. This approach isn’t about giving up—it’s about prioritizing recovery so you can bounce back stronger.

This mindset opens the door to healing by letting you focus on small, achievable steps without judgment.

Beyond the core benefits, this tip fosters patience with yourself. It encourages listening to your body’s needs—maybe a nap or a quiet evening in. It also builds self-awareness, helping you spot patterns in your mental health. Over time, this practice creates a habit of self-care that strengthens your emotional toolkit.

How do you handle those tough mental health days? What small steps help you rest and recover without feeling guilty? 

The Redditor’s advice to “give yourself a break” during mental health struggles is a gentle nudge toward self-care, but it’s more than just feel-good wisdom. It’s a call to prioritize recovery over perfection, especially when life feels like a treadmill stuck on high speed. The OP’s situation highlights a common tension: the guilt of not “doing enough” versus the need to rest. While the OP encourages self-kindness, some commenters argue that basic tasks like eating can’t be skipped, revealing the balancing act of mental health care.

This dilemma reflects a broader societal issue: the stigma around pausing for mental health. According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, 60% of adults feel shame about mental health struggles, often pushing through at the cost of burnout. Recognizing when to rest versus when to push forward is key. The Redditor’s advice aligns with fostering resilience through self-compassion, a practice that can lower anxiety over time.

Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher on self-compassion, notes, “Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend” (self-compassion.org). Her work suggests that self-kindness reduces stress and builds emotional strength, directly supporting the OP’s approach. For the OP, this means allowing space for rest without guilt, acknowledging that healing isn’t linear.

To apply this, try small steps: a short walk, a mindful meal, or journaling. If basic tasks feel impossible, professional support like therapy can help, as some commenters noted. Websites like Psychology Today offer therapist directories. Balancing rest with action builds a sustainable path forward. What’s your go-to way to practice self-care on tough days?

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

The Reddit thread lit up with raw, candid takes—some heartfelt, others skeptical, but all brimming with real talk. Here’s a peek at what the community had to say, from tearful breakthroughs to sharp critiques. Buckle up for some unfiltered wisdom!

These Reddit hot takes range from deeply relatable to downright spicy, but do they hold up? Some urge action over rest, while others embrace the pause. It’s a messy, human mix of perspectives—kind of like life itself.

The Redditor’s tip is a reminder that mental health isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon with pit stops. By giving yourself permission to rest, you’re not waving a white flag—you’re recharging for the next leg. Whether it’s savoring a quiet coffee or skipping a social event guilt-free, small acts of self-kindness can shift the tide. What would you do to find balance on a tough mental health day? Share your thoughts below!