Word of the Week: Respite

Respite (noun): a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or demanding.

Let’s be honest—rest doesn’t always look like a beach vacation or a Sunday with no plans.

Sometimes, rest is five minutes with your phone on do not disturb.

Sometimes, it’s a deep sigh in your parked car before walking into the chaos.

Sometimes, it’s hiding in the bathroom for 2 minutes of silence.

That’s respite.

It’s the pause before burnout.

It’s the breath between responsibilities.

It’s the tiniest corner of your day that belongs only to you.

Why It Matters

Many of us are conditioned to believe that rest must be earned. That we can only pause once everything is done—when the kitchen is clean, the inbox is empty, the mental checklist is cleared. But let’s be real: when does that actually happen?

The truth is, there’s no gold star for pushing yourself to exhaustion.

You don’t need to hit a breaking point to justify a break.

Respite is different from rest that comes with conditions.

It’s the kind that says, “You’re allowed to take a breath, even if everything isn’t finished.”

It’s not about escape—it’s about relief. In small, doable doses.

And the more we learn to recognize and welcome respite, the more sustainable our days can feel.

How to Invite Respite In

🌀 Take a breath on purpose - Not just a sigh of frustration—but an intentional, grounding breath.

Try this: Set a reminder on your phone that simply says “breathe.” When it goes off, inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat once. That’s it. A full reset in under 30 seconds.

🌀 Protect your peace in tiny ways - Small boundaries make a big difference.

Try this: Close your laptop five minutes before your next meeting and stretch. Mute that group text thread for the evening. Let the dishes sit while you step outside. None of these fix everything—but they shift your energy.

🌀 Let silence be enough - You don’t have to fill every quiet space with productivity or entertainment.

Try this: Drive without a podcast. Sit with your coffee without scrolling. Fold the laundry without background noise. Let your brain breathe for a moment—you might be surprised what surfaces.

🌀 Give yourself permission - This one might be the hardest. Resting without guilt takes practice.

Try this: Reframe “I should be doing something” to “I’m doing something by resting.” Write it on a sticky note if you need to. You don’t have to earn a break. You just have to take one.

A Gentle Reminder

Respite doesn’t have to be long or fancy.

It doesn’t require a plan or a plane ticket.

What it does require is your willingness to pause—on purpose.

To recognize when you’re running on fumes and offer yourself even the smallest bit of relief.

This week, let respite be your quiet check-in.

A moment to be a person, not just a provider, planner, or problem-solver.

Because even a moment of stillness can be enough to shift everything, and you deserve to breathe—even if the world keeps spinning.

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About the Author:

MDW's voice for all things mental health, therapist and LCSW, Carrie Summers, embodies inclusion and creating safe spaces for all people that is free of judgment.

Carrie is dedicated to empowering individuals like you through personalized counseling. Specializing in perinatal, relationship issues, divorce, life transitions, and narcissistic abuse recovery.

Carrie owns her practice, Noreila Healing & Wellness, in Wheaton, Illinois, and is available in-person and online for therapy.

Learn more at noreilahealing.com