Why It’s Finally Time to Use Your PTO (Without Feeling Guilty)

Have you ever looked at your unused PTO days and thought,
"Maybe someday."
"Maybe when I finally catch up."
"Maybe when things slow down."

Here’s the truth:
There’s no perfect time.
And you don’t need one.

Recently, I had a conversation with a client who was feeling guilty—truly guilty—for even thinking about taking time off.

She was recovering from a cold, navigating a huge life decision, and still struggling to believe she could pause.
The excuses rolled in: She had projects. Deadlines. Responsibilities.
But as we peeled back the layers, it turned out she had PTO stockpiled. Her deadlines? Flexible. Her body? Desperately asking for a break.

And yet the discomfort of slowing down was almost unbearable.

Why?

Because hustle culture taught her (and all of us) that doing nothing is wasting time.
That resting is lazy.
That movement—even frantic, burned-out, half-hearted movement—is better than stillness.

Spoiler alert:
That’s a lie.

What If Rest Isn’t the Break from the Work—It Is the Work?

After our conversation, my client decided to take the time off.
Not because everything was perfectly lined up.
Not because she earned it by finishing a checklist.

But because her body and mind needed it.

You know what happened?

• She rested.

• She healed.

• And she had creative breakthroughs on a project that had been weighing her down for months.

She made more progress by going slower than she ever had by pushing harder.

Why Slowing Down Actually Moves You Forward

Here’s the truth we don’t hear enough:

• Quiet isn’t passive.

• Stillness isn’t weakness.

• Simplicity isn’t laziness.

Sometimes, the most revolutionary thing you can do in a world obsessed with productivity…
is to rest like you mean it.

Rest recalibrates your creativity.
Rest restores your courage.
Rest reconnects you to yourself.

If you’ve been feeling the pull to pause—to breathe, reflect, recalibrate—you’re not falling behind.
You’re learning a different way forward.

And it matters.

3 Signs It’s Time to Finally Take That PTO

If you’re wondering whether you really need time off, here are a few clues:

• You’re constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep. (Hint: It's not just about physical rest—your soul needs breathing room, too.)

• Your creativity feels stuck. (Burnout and "idea fatigue" are real signs that your brain needs space to wander and play.)

• You keep telling yourself “after this next thing.” (There’s always another “thing.” Waiting for the perfect time just delays your healing.)

If any of these sound familiar, consider this your official permission slip.

Ready to Redefine Progress on Your Terms?

If you’re craving a gentle reset (without overhauling your life), my free 7-Day Slow-Living Challenge is the perfect place to start.

✨ Just seven simple shifts to help you embrace intention, rest, and momentum that feels true to you.
✨ No guilt trips. No hustle. Just space to reconnect with what matters.