In a culture that praises hustle, productivity, and doing more with less, taking time to rest can feel... wrong. You might wonder, "Am I just being lazy?" or "Do I really deserve a break?" At Sprout Therapy PDX, we want to be clear: self-care isn’t selfish. Rest is not a reward for burning out. It’s a vital part of your mental health.

Why We Struggle with Rest Many of us grew up in environments—cultural, familial, professional—that equated worth with doing. Rest, softness, and stillness were often seen as indulgent, unproductive, or even shameful. That conditioning runs deep, especially for those navigating systemic barriers, trauma, or caregiving roles.

What Self-Care Really Means Self-care isn’t all bubble baths and spa days (though those are great, too). It’s any intentional act that supports your mental, emotional, or physical well-being. This could look like:

Saying no without guilt
Logging off early
Cooking a nourishing meal
Going to bed before 10 p.m.
Setting boundaries in relationships
Sitting still and doing nothing

Rest Is Resistance Choosing rest in a society that celebrates burnout is powerful. For marginalized communities—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled folks—rest can be a form of reclaiming agency and survival. As Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry says, "Rest is resistance." And we believe in that.

Therapy Can Help You Reclaim Rest At Sprout Therapy PDX, we help clients unlearn the guilt, shame, and internalized capitalism that says rest must be earned. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, identity-based stress, or caregiver burnout, therapy can create space for reflection, healing, and sustainable care.

Our inclusive, trauma-informed therapists offer in-person and telehealth therapy in North Tabor and across Oregon. We accept most OHP plans, Kaiser, and PacificSource.

Final Thoughts Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. You deserve to rest—not because you’ve “earned” it, but because you’re human.

Feeling stretched thin? Let’s talk. Contact Sprout Therapy PDX today to find a therapist who can help you reconnect with your needs and your worth.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Reclaiming Rest in a Busy World