Today felt like driving a car on an empty gas tank. My body was signaling me to stop, rest, and refuel, but my mind was focused on all the tasks waiting at work. Have you ever woken up knowing you needed rest, yet still pushed through because the demands of the day felt too urgent?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). These words promise peace and renewal, yet sometimes we ignore them, prioritizing productivity over the care our souls truly need. That was my day today—a balancing act between getting things done and recognizing the cost of pushing too hard.
The Drive to Push Through
When I arrived at work, I dove straight into my tasks. I tackled mandatory trainings I had overlooked, input critical documents into the system, and prepared a binder for tomorrow’s work. Each accomplishment gave me a sense of relief, but I could feel my energy slipping away as the hours passed.
I didn’t even stop for a proper lunch. A quick soup and a slice of banana bread weren’t enough to sustain me, yet I kept telling myself, “Just get through this.” By mid-afternoon, I was running on fumes.
Steve Maraboli’s words came to mind: “Don’t sacrifice your peace trying to make everyone else happy.” Yet that’s exactly what I was doing—sacrificing my health and peace to meet the day’s demands.
The Cost of Ignoring Rest
It wasn’t until my boss overheard me saying I wasn’t feeling well that I stopped to consider how drained I felt. She encouraged me to leave early, and I finally gave myself permission to go home.
As soon as I walked through the door, the weight of the day hit me. I felt weak, depleted, and hungry. The quick meals and ignored breaks caught up to me, leaving me exhausted in both body and mind. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41) felt especially true in that moment.
A Small Moment of Relief
After putting some food into my body—a few crackers, fruit, and tea—I began to feel a little better. Sitting down with a warm cup of tea, I let the day’s weight begin to lift.
It was a reminder that even small acts of care, like nourishment and stillness, can make a big difference. As Anne Lamott said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” That simple act of unplugging gave me the clarity to see how much I had neglected myself throughout the day.
Soul Insights
1. Your Body Knows Best
Ignoring exhaustion only delays the inevitable. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we care for our bodies, we honor God’s gift of life.
2. Productivity Without Nourishment is Unsustainable
Skipping meals or ignoring hunger in the name of productivity doesn’t lead to success—it leads to burnout. Simple, balanced nourishment is essential to keep going.
3. Pushing Through Isn’t Always the Answer
Dedication is valuable, but overextending ourselves comes at a cost. Sacrificing our well-being for productivity ultimately serves no one—not ourselves, our work, or those around us.
4. Small Acts of Care Make a Big Difference
A warm meal, a quiet moment, or even a few sips of tea can restore more than we realize. Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant; it’s about intention.
5. Rest is Sacred
Rest is not a luxury—it’s a divine rhythm. ‘In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety’ (Psalm 4:8). In rest, we find not only renewal but also the assurance that God is in control, allowing us to continue with strength and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Today reminded me of the importance of balance. While it’s fulfilling to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks, it’s equally vital to listen to your body and care for your soul. Pushing through might help in the short term, but it’s not sustainable. True productivity comes when we honor our need for nourishment, rest, and stillness.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) is an invitation to step back and recharge. Tomorrow, I plan to approach my tasks with a greater sense of balance, ensuring I prioritize my health alongside my responsibilities.
How do you balance productivity and self-care? Take five minutes today to reflect on your own rhythms. Are you pushing through exhaustion or ignoring your body’s signals? Share one small act of self-care you’ve done recently, or one you plan to try. Let’s encourage each other to find balance in the midst of life’s demands.
© 2025 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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