The notes will always be there
Today I made a decision I have been putting off, I went for a run instead of doing my notes (I’m also typing this out instead of doing my notes now but whatever). I had an unexpected cancellation and before I could completely talk myself out of it, I took action. Don’t worry, I still gave myself a bunch of very valid reasons not to, but they were also excuses.
“I don’t have the time.”
“I’m already behind.”
“I have to get these done.”
For the last few weeks I’ve been putting off my workouts, sleep, and nutrition to fit just “one more thing” in. We’ve been running on caffeine, sugar, and doom scrolling as a break instead of my usual self care things. Because of this, I’ve been feeling the irritation rise along with the workload and I’ll admit I haven’t felt like my usual grounded self. Somewhere along the run today I realized: the notes will always be there.
You’ll never get to the bottom
Life is full of ongoing tasks from notes, emails, dishes, scheduling, and errands. It’s a terrible cycle of finally crossing them off the to-do list, and somehow next week they reappear. The problem is they always appear, and will always be there. Despite knowing that, so many of us (including myself) treat every single task as urgent and non-negotiable in the moment it pops into our awareness, “I have to get this done or.. xyz will happen.”
We may keep adding on responsibilities but our energy doesn’t increase on demand. When we push ourselves past our limits, everything becomes heavier and slower, and our efficiency and quality start to decline. When we think we are just doing “one more thing,” the aftermath cost (sleep, physical health, mental health, irritability, burnout) is usually a lot higher than pausing to take care of ourselves.
You’ll never get to the bottom of the to-do list, and maybe there is some acceptance in surrendering to that idea.
A Therapist’s Perspective: Rest is Productive
As therapists, we spend a lot of time educating clients about nervous system regulation. We talk about being attuned to signs of overwhelm, acknowledging limits, and building awareness through grounding, movement, or rest. Yet we often skip those same steps in our own day-to-day lives. When we ignore our internal cues, tasks that are usually manageable such as going for a walk, cooking a healthy meal, or even showering start to feel like a chore.
The nervous system is deeply interconnected with our ability to focus, organize, and think clearly. When we’re dysregulated (whether that shows up as restlessness, irritability, tension, brain fog, or just feeling nothing) our brain simply isn’t operating at full strength. Taking a moment to regulate isn’t being “lazy.” It’s one of the most effective ways to bring ourselves back into a state where we can actually function well.
Your “Notes” Might Be Something Else
Everyone has a version of the thing they keep pushing off while also feeling guilty for not doing:
answering those emails
cleaning up the kitchen
folding the mound laundry
scheduling those appointments
finishing that project
These tasks linger in the background of our minds. They don’t disappear when we take care of ourselves, but they also don’t get easier when we bulldoze through exhaustion. When you step away for a walk, a break, or a moment of quiet, the task will still be waiting. You, however, return with more energy and focus.
A Simple Permission Slip for Anyone Who Needs It
You’re allowed to:
take a break when your body signals it
move, rest, or step away before pushing forward
ask for what you need- more time, help, or support
delegate, re-prioritize, or completely remove tasks if needed
My notes will always be there. Taking that break for myself today gave me a 2nd wind for my afternoon where I was much more present for sessions. Right after this I’m going to do my notes, clean up a few things around my apartment, and eat some tacos- and I’m so frikin excited.
from your (slow AF) running therapist,
Morgan
