Hey, you okay?

I’ve been thinking about you.

Because if I’m being honest? I’ve been in full-on freeze mode lately—thanks, anxiety. And if it weren’t for work or responsibilities, I probably wouldn’t have left bed for a while.

But this time… something was different.

When Anxiety Makes You Freeze (Not Just Fight or Flight)

For the past two weeks, I rested.

Really rested.

• Not doom-scrolling.
• Not resting with guilt yelling at me in the background.
• Not laying down while my brain ran marathons of worry.

Just resting. Because I finally gave myself permission to stop earning it.

And the wild part? I thought of you.

Because I know you’ve felt this too:

• Your body begging for a break.
• But your brain whispering, “You’re wasting time.”
• That in-between space where you’re not productive—but not actually recharged either.

That space can feel like quicksand.

You’re not lazy. You’re burnt out and beating yourself up for not doing enough.

Your Worth Isn’t Measured by Productivity

If you’ve ever tried to slow down but felt guilty… If your mind races even when your body begs for stillness… If you’ve been stuck in freeze mode and can’t find your way out…

💛 I see you. 💛 I’ve been there. 💛 And I want you to know—you’re not alone.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest. Truly rest.

This Week’s Podcast: Let’s Talk Anxiety, Burnout, and Avoidance

I recorded an honest, unfiltered conversation with my friend Alex.

No fluff. No pressure. No “7-step checklist.”

Just two people talking about what it really feels like when:

• Your nervous system shuts down
• You avoid the very things you care about
• And your brain tells you rest is a threat, not a solution

Click here to listen to “Navigating Anxiety, Burnout, and Avoidance” now

It might be the 10-minute exhale your nervous system’s been waiting for.

A Gentle Reminder for Right Now

You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to be “better” before you take a break. You don’t need to hustle your way out of burnout.

It’s okay to need a minute. Or a week. Or two.

And when you’re ready to take a small, gentle step forward again?

I’ll be right here.

With you—not above you. In the mess—not just after the glow-up.

P.S. This week’s episode of The Anxious Creative Podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed. Listen to it here.