When Is It Okay To Be Tired?

First of all, why is this even a question?

Why should we have to ask ourselves when is it okay to feel tired?

As I thought about this topic for myself, I am reminded of the many times I have felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and I wanted to just take a nap. In those moments, I know I am tired, but there are more things to do, people to call, clothes to fold, or notes to write. The list is endless and I can almost feel myself becoming angry about the idea of resting.

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In my previous life, I was a graduate student and worked as an in-home behavioral specialist. My work included working with children and teaching social skills in community settings. It was fun but exhausting work. I had to travel to homes, schools, and after school programs in between classes in order to meet with the children I worked with. I enjoyed working with children and their families. My schedule was full with school, work, and my personal life. I’m not really sure how I got it all done, but I know I did because I can now sit back and write about it. Those days helped me to clarify the type of family therapist I wanted to be and the importance of rest and spending time with my friends.
It seems absolutely ridiculous, but yes I hate when I am tired. It is the reminder of my humanity. I am real and I get tired. It just sucks. These real moments help me to connect with the mothers, fathers, teachers, therapists, doctors, etc. I support now. I can hear the question of when is it okay to feel tired and take a break. I can hear the concern of being tired isn’t normal. I can hear you as much as I can hear myself. We must hear when we are tired so we can slow down and take a moment or many moments to rest. Yes rest, sleep, nap, take a moment and just breathe.
So when is it okay to be tired… how about whenever you feel tired. I think it is important to know what tired feels like for you, because once you do, you can do something about it.
If this blog reminded you of a moment when you felt tired and became frustrated in that moment, share it in the comments below.
Dr. Faith, therapist and human