I’m definitely one of those people who struggles to switch off. You know the type — the brain that decides bedtime is the perfect hour to track sales, plan the week, fix the world, and rethink every decision you’ve ever made. And when it’s a busy time of year or sales go a bit quiet, that mental hamster wheel spins even faster.
And if you’re a mum or parent on top of that? Well, then it’s double trouble. It’s hard enough trying to rest without remembering the Nativity costume that still needs sorting, or realising the PE kit is absolutely not ready for the after-school club on Monday. Because of course it isn’t.
So… how do we rest? And why do we even need it when our to-do list is already three miles long?
Let’s take a look.
Physical Benefits
We’ve all been there — the tired, achy shoulders, tension headaches, stiff neck, and the general “I’m too young to be creaking like this” vibe. Without proper rest, your body can’t repair or recover. And if you ignore the signs for long enough, your body will eventually slam on the brakes for you.
If you’re anything like me, and your day starts with the school run, followed by the walk back, and then a home workout (why do we do this to ourselves?), your body has already lived a full life before 10 am. And that’s before you even sit down to process orders. It’s no wonder our bodies need a chance to reset.
So why is resting beneficial?
Because rest is crucial for muscle recovery, it helps your body adapt, rebuild, and keep your immune system in top form — very handy when the kids bring home their weekly winter bug from school. And hey, the stronger you are, the more orders you can carry to the post office. Win-win.
Mental Benefits
You know those days when everything happens at once? Orders coming in. Stock levels dropping. A customer is messaging about a damaged item. And then — of course — the school is emailing again about another charity event, which means rummaging through the house for loose change like it’s a treasure hunt you never volunteered for.
When it piles up, your brain short-circuits a little. You forget things, you can’t think clearly, and your emotions start steering the ship. This is how we end up processing orders incorrectly, snapping at the nearest innocent bystander, or forgetting something important.
So why is resting beneficial?
A good night’s sleep (or a nap, if your little one still treats 3 am as social hour) helps your brain process and store everything from the day. It boosts clarity, allowing you to communicate better with customers. And regular rest keeps your mood steady, helping you tackle the daily family chaos with something resembling patience.
Prevent Burnout
And when you mix all of the above over a long stretch of time, you get the dreaded burnout.
Burnout looks different for everyone, but the usual signs are constant tiredness, zero enthusiasm, and imposter syndrome lurking like an uninvited guest. It makes running your small business and parenting feel impossible. Push it long enough, and it can even make you ill, which is your cue to step back and breathe.
So why is resting beneficial?
Because breaks reduce stress and help stop that overwhelmed feeling before it snowballs. Regular rest builds a more positive mindset and helps you recover from both mental and physical fatigue. Which means you can run your business with more joy… and maybe even survive the inevitable teeth-brushing tantrum
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Especially for those of us juggling school runs, small businesses, endless emails, and children who somehow generate more admin than a full-time job. Permitting yourself to slow down isn’t “slacking”; it’s making sure you can keep showing up as the parent, maker, creator, and all-around superhero you already are.
So take the nap. Say no when you need to. Step away from the orders for half an hour. Your body, your mind, and your business will thank you — and honestly, so will anyone within a five-metre radius of the next teeth-brushing tantrum.
Remember: a well-rested you is a better-equipped you. And you deserve that.
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