Heal with Grace

95. When to Rest and When to Push Through Fatigue

Grace Secker Season 1 Episode 95

 Ever wonder if you should rest when fatigue hits—or keep going? Grace tackles one of the most common (and confusing) questions in chronic fatigue recovery: how to know when your body needs rest versus when your nervous system just needs reassurance that you're safe.

What You'll Learn:

The Two Types of Fatigue

  • Normal fatigue (proportionate to life stress, activity, or lack of sleep)
  • Nervous system fatigue (disproportionate, often paired with brain fog, body aches, or other symptoms—and doesn't improve with more sleep)

Why "Pushing Through" Isn't the Answer

  • The difference between bulldozing your symptoms and moving through them with compassion
  • How judgment, fear, and self-criticism actually reinforce fatigue by signaling danger to your brain
  • Why your approach matters more than whether you rest or move

The Key Question to Ask Yourself Before deciding to rest or continue with your day, pause and check in:

  • Can I meet this symptom calmly, without fear or panic?
  • Can I reassure myself that this is my nervous system, not something dangerous or broken?
  • Am I responding with compassion—or criticism?

If the answer is yes, you can gently move forward. If the answer is no, it might be time to pause, regulate, and build safety first.

What True Rest Actually Looks Like Rest isn't helpful if you're spending it in shame, guilt, or panic. Grace shares how to rest with permission—fully, compassionately, and without the mental spiral.

Trial and Error Is Part of the Process It takes time to learn the difference between types of fatigue. Grace walks you through how to experiment kindly with yourself, adjust as you go, and notice what your body is actually telling you.

Your New Mantra: "Symptoms are evidence of my brain perceiving danger—not proof that I'm broken."

Find the links below to learn more or reach out with questions.

Resources Mentioned:

Why Journaling is Important and How to Use It

Resources from Grace:

Connect with Grace