We all know that in this fast paced, stressful world we live in getting enough rest and relaxation is absolutely essential. Inviting calm and restfulness into our lives can give us more energy, improve our mood, help us heal faster, and even extend our life span. So, why don’t we all regularly make time to relax? As Deepak Chopra has said, “We all must make time to run the machines, but it is equally important to make time to sit idly in the garden”. Well, my garden is at present pretty filled up with snow, but, nonetheless, what interferes with each of us calling a time-out from time to time and just hitting the “Pause” button?

There are many reasons why we may not be doing this. None of these are necessarily ‘good’ reasons as they keep us from getting much needed down time, but each of these at times, may seem quite compelling, convincing, or unavoidable. See which of these wear-yourself-out-rather-than-resting traps you fall into: