278: Why We Fear Rest: Unpacking the Guilt Behind Taking a Break with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

Hey Brave Table fam! Today, we’re diving into a topic so many of us wrestle with — rest! Why is it that we feel guilty when we take time for ourselves? Why does resting sometimes make us feel lazy or unproductive? Growing up in a household where rest was synonymous with "not enough," I get it. In this episode, I share my personal journey with redefining rest, unpacking those old narratives, and learning to truly savor the slow. I also reflect on insights from Dr. Avanti Singh, who reminds us of the dangers of constantly "pushing" — especially around the holidays when the pressure to "do it all" can feel overwhelming. So let's get comfortable, release the guilt, and step into a mindset where rest is not just okay — it’s necessary. Let’s explore this together and make peace with rest as part of our growth.

What you'll get out of this episode… 

Rest is an essential part of productivity, creativity, and well-being.

Learning to Let Go

Savor the Slow

Rest creates space for miracles and unexpected opportunities

Simple rituals remind us to slow down and embrace the present

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] - Intro to the Brave Table

[00:04:00] - Personal story: Family, rest, and health challenges

[00:10:00] - Can we savor the slow and embrace boredom?

[00:16:00] - The power of letting go and manifesting through rest

[00:19:00] - Reframing rest with the “That Sucked, Now What?” Affirmation Deck

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Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

IG / @neetabhushan 

IG / @thebravetable 

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

YOUTUBE / @NeetaBhushanOfficial

Want more?

Visit the website and order your free copy of “That Sucked, Now What?” ( just pay for shipping)  → neetabhushan.com/free-book-bonus/

Grab your Affirmation/ Conversation Card deck here → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/ 

Take just 2 minutes and find what YOUR emotional type is by taking  my FREE quiz here →  theemotionalreset.com/quiz

For a weekly dose of my hacks, tools, & tips to emotionally reset, join my newsletter here → yourweeklyreset.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.#196: The Secrets to Stepping Into Your Soft Girl Era Revealed with Simran Handa  (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.#221: How to Calm Your Nervous System During Chaotic Moments with Dr. Navaz Habib  (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.#230: Why It’s NOT Selfish to Take Care of Your Mental Health with Karishma Patel (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book, That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health Podcast The Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler. 

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.