Are you tired — feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like there’s never enough time in the day? Do you often find yourself prioritizing everything and everyone else, leaving little room to take care of yourself?
We’ve all been there—spreading ourselves too thin, juggling endless responsibilities, and somehow forgetting that we can’t pour from an empty cup.
Lately, I’ve been caught in the whirlwind of life, from my kids’ and husband’s back-to-back birthday parties, my full-time job, extra curricular activities, to late-night work sessions building URYou. As much as I love creating something that spreads positivity, I’ve come to realize that in order to inspire others, I need to take care of myself first. I can’t exude positivity if I’m out of energy and got nothing left to give.
The Importance of Self-Care
Rest and self-care aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essentials. Without them, our energy runs out, and we lose the ability to give our best to our families, our passions, and ourselves. I found myself so immersed in my work that I barely had time for the people I love most—especially my husband, Jay. I knew I needed a change, so one night after putting Cassidy (my 1-year-old) to bed, I made a decision. Instead of diving back into work, I asked Jay to watch a movie with me. It was a small act, but it felt like a huge shift.
This simple decision helped me reconnect with my loved ones and gave me the space I needed to recharge.
In my effort to take care of myself, I also made a conscious decision that I won’t work on Sundays. That day is now dedicated solely to family, rest, and simply enjoying the present moment. It’s easy to feel like you need to keep going, but taking a full day to recharge before the week starts has made all the difference.
Finding Balance in a Busy Life
I understand there are those who might feel that resting or taking time off is a luxury they can’t afford—especially if they believe that success only comes from grinding non-stop, seven days a week. Trust me, I’ve been there, too, feeling like if I pause for even a moment, I’d be falling behind.
But here’s the thing: rest is productive. When we constantly push ourselves without giving our minds and bodies a break, we risk burnout, reduced creativity, and even health problems. Taking time to recharge allows us to come back stronger, more focused, and with fresh energy to tackle life again.
I learned this lesson the hard way. There was a moment not too long ago when I realized I was running on empty. Between working on URYou, my job, and caring for my family, I barely had a moment to catch my breath.
Just to give you a bit of background, I have a daughter who just turned 1. For the past month or so, she’s been waking up in the middle of the night and keeping me up most nights. So, as you can imagine, I was juggling a lot and running on fumes without proper sleep. Then one day, I woke up with a massive headache so debilitating that I couldn’t do anything. It felt like my body was saying, “Enough is enough! Let me rest!”
I finally listened to my body. I told my family that I needed more sleep because of my headache, went back to bed at 9:30 a.m., and didn’t wake up until 4 p.m. I hadn’t slept that long in ages, but clearly, my body needed it.
You see, I thought I was being productive by pushing through, but in reality, I was exhausted. My body ended up making the decision for me. When I finally allowed myself to take a break—real, uninterrupted rest—it felt like a weight had been lifted. Suddenly, I could think more clearly, I felt more connected with my family, and the energy I had been chasing started to return. That’s when I learned that stepping back isn’t slowing down—it’s fueling up for what’s next.
The truth is, you can hustle and rest—they’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, I’ve found that by taking time to rest, I can approach my work with more clarity and drive, making the time I spend working much more effective.
So, if you’re someone who feels like you need to be grinding 24/7, ask yourself this: Is the constant hustle sustainable, and are you giving your best when you’re running on empty? Rest isn’t a sign of weakness or slacking—it’s an investment in your long-term success.
Tips for Refilling Your Cup
Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to help you refill your cup:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Do whatever it is you love doing – whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or simply sitting in silence for a few minutes, carve out time in your day just for you. It may feel indulgent, but it’s a necessity to keep your energy and motivation going.
- Delegate Where You Can: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that I can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Whether it’s asking for help with the kids, assigning tasks at work, or letting go of less important responsibilities, delegation can be a game-changer.
- Set Boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say no or set limits on what you can handle. This includes giving yourself permission to step away from work. Setting boundaries protects your time and energy.
- Make Time for Loved Ones: In the hustle of life, it’s easy to let quality time with family or friends slip through the cracks. Make it a point to spend time with the people who lift you up. For me, that’s been one of the best ways to refill my emotional cup.
- Reflect and Recharge: Before jumping back into the grind, take time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. This helps you make adjustments and avoid burnout in the future.
Rest Is an Investment in Your Success
At the end of the day, the key to sustaining our drive and passion is balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking the time to refill it. By caring for yourself, you’re setting yourself up for greater success, deeper relationships, and a more fulfilled life.
Remember, your journey isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Pace yourself, take those moments to breathe, and know that every bit of rest you give yourself is fuel for the next step forward. The world may tell you to keep grinding, but true strength comes from knowing when to pause, reflect, and recharge. Treasure the moments with your loved ones, because once time has passed, we can’t get it back. Cherish each moment as it comes, whether it’s during the hustle or in the quiet pauses in between.
So, give yourself permission to slow down, spend time with the people you love, and embrace the power of rest. You’re not just resting—you’re building the foundation for even greater achievements ahead.
You deserve it. You’re enough. And the journey is better when your cup is full.
Let’s Talk!
I’d love to hear from you—what are some ways you take care of yourself when life gets busy? Have you struggled with finding balance, and what’s helped you along the way? Feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences below. Let’s start a conversation about how we can all support each other in refilling our cups and finding the balance we need!