Relaxation Anxiety: The Momentum of Busyness | Sanity Check No 37

Episode Overview
Have you ever finally sat down to rest, only to find yourself fidgeting, scrolling, or looking for something to tidy? You’re not alone. There’s a name for this: relaxation anxiety.

In this week’s Sanity Check, we dive into why slowing down feels so uncomfortable when your life is full of constant momentum, and how our culture ties worth to productivity.

Key Discussion Points:

• What “relaxation anxiety” is and why it shows up.
• The pressure we put on ourselves to earn rest.
• Why busyness can become our default identity.
• The cultural link between productivity and self-worth.
• How to approach rest as something we learn, not something we feel guilty about.

Listener Takeaways:

• If you feel restless when you stop, it’s not failure, it’s your body unwinding.
• Rest isn’t a luxury or something you have to deserve, it’s essential.
• Give yourself patience and grace: momentum takes time to slow down.
• Try building in smaller, frequent moments of rest instead of waiting for the perfect time.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced relaxation anxiety? How do you give yourself permission to stop without guilt? 

Send us a DM or leave a comment, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.