Why Rest Feels Unsafe When You’re a Perfectionist

If rest feels impossible or guilt-inducing, you're not alone. Many perfectionists feel uncomfortable with downtime. When you’re not being productive, thoughts creep in: “I should be doing more.” “I’m falling behind.” “I’m being lazy.”

The irony? Chronic overwork and burnout are far more dangerous than taking a break.

This fear of rest is often rooted in early experiences. Maybe you were praised only when you were achieving. Maybe downtime was equated with failure or laziness. Over time, rest started to feel unsafe—not physically, but emotionally. Your nervous system associates rest with risk.

This is where EMDR therapy shines. EMDR works with the nervous system to reprocess experiences that taught you rest equals danger or disapproval. Clients often report that after EMDR, they feel more at ease doing nothing—without the internal punishment.

Imagine feeling good about taking a walk, reading a book, or spending a day offline. That’s possible.

If rest feels like a luxury you can't afford, EMDR might be the next step. Learn more at https://annemoigistherapy.com/.