05-15-26 Episode 13: Why it can Feel so Difficult for Women to truly Rest
In this episode, Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC and Katie Krych, MSN, RN, PMHNP(c) explore why it can feel so difficult for women to truly rest, even when there is time to do so. While rest is often framed as a simple choice, many women find that the moment they sit down, their minds become more active, running through responsibilities, to-do lists, and unfinished tasks.
They discuss how this is not just about being “busy,” but about the constant mental load many women carry. Expectations at home, caregiving roles, work demands, and the pressure to stay productive all contribute to a brain that stays on, even when the body stops. Over time, the nervous system can become used to this constant state of alertness, making stillness feel uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or even guilt-inducing. The belief that rest must be earned can further reinforce this pattern, making it harder to slow down without feeling like something is being neglected.
This episode offers a grounded and compassionate perspective, helping listeners understand that difficulty with rest is not a personal failure, but a learned pattern shaped by both environment and biology. It encourages small, realistic shifts, reminding listeners that rest does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. Even brief moments of pause, despite a busy mind, still count.
It closes with a simple reflection, inviting listeners to notice one small moment in their day where they allowed themselves to pause, and to begin seeing that as a valid and necessary form of rest.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network and supports Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, promoting emotional well-being and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
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Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
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