Take the Break Before the Break Takes You

Joshua Ericson
Apr 27
3 min read

There’s this lie a lot of us believe. It sounds something like this:

“Once I get through this next thing, I’ll rest.”

The project. The deadline. The next big goal. You keep promising yourself rest is coming—just not yet. But that “yet” keeps moving.

And by the time you finally hit pause, it’s not a break—it’s a breakdown.

Burnout Doesn’t Announce Itself

Burnout doesn’t come in hot with sirens and warning lights. It sneaks in through the cracks.

You’re more tired than usual, but you call it “a rough week.”
You’re irritable, distracted, emotionally distant—but you chalk it up to stress.
The things you used to love? You still do… you just can’t feel it right now.

And before you know it, everything is heavy and nothing feels good. And still, you tell yourself: “It’s fine. I’ll rest when it’s over.”

But what if “it” never ends? What if you’re caught in a cycle of chasing peace through performance?

Rest Is Not a Reward

We treat rest like a prize for good behavior. As if we have to earn it. But here’s the truth:

Rest is not a luxury. It’s maintenance.

You don’t wait for your car engine to seize before changing the oil. You don’t wait for your phone to overheat before plugging it in.

Why are you treating your body and brain like they can function on empty?

You’re Not Lazy. You’re Running on Fumes.

Let’s just kill this myth right now:

If you need rest, you’re not weak. You’re not lazy. You’re alive.

Everything has a limit—even you. The human brain isn’t designed for constant hustle. Your nervous system wasn’t built for 16-hour productivity marathons.

And if you're someone with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, or depression? Your brain is already working overtime just trying to stay regulated.

Burnout isn’t a failure. It’s your body pulling the emergency brake on your behalf.

Real Talk: You Might Lose Some People When You Rest

This one’s uncomfortable, but it’s true.

When you slow down, you will lose some momentum. Maybe some followers. Maybe a little money. Maybe even some people who were only around when you were "on."

That sucks. But you know what’s worse?

Losing yourself.

Because if you’re only loved for your output—are you even being loved at all?

Success Is Not Worth Your Sanity

There’s a quote that lives rent-free in my brain:

“If you win the rat race, you’re still a rat.”

You can chase every milestone. You can hit every goal. You can go viral. Get promoted. Be successful.

But if you have to destroy your sleep, your body, your relationships, and your mental health to get there?

You’re not winning. You’re just surviving a storm you created.

You Don’t Owe Anyone Your Burnout

The people who love you don’t want a burnt-out version of you who can’t be present, can’t enjoy life, and doesn’t even remember why they started in the first place.

And if you’re surrounded by people who expect you to burn out for their benefit?

Let’s just say those aren’t your people.

The right people understand your need to step back. The right people don’t guilt you for choosing your health. The right people want you, not just your output.

Here’s What Taking a Break Actually Means

It means:

You trust yourself enough to slow down.
You’re creating a life that can be sustained, not just survived.
You’re recognizing that performance without peace is a prison.

Taking a break doesn’t mean quitting. It means refusing to trade your health for validation.

It’s not a pause in your growth. It’s what makes future growth possible.

The Break Is Coming Either Way—You Choose the Timing

You can take a break now. Or you can wait for your body to decide for you. But one way or another, it’s coming.

So take a break.

Before the spiral.
Before the shutdown.
Before the exhaustion turns into apathy.
Before the dream starts feeling like a punishment.