How Therapists Can Actually Rest During the Holidays: Letting Go of Guilt, Productivity, and Instagram-Worthy Expectations

Curt and Katie explore how therapists can create a real holiday break - not a performative or productivity-driven one. They discuss the pressure to rest “perfectly,” the guilt of not fully unplugging, how to shift into restorative downtime, and why passive vs. active rest matters. They also highlight anxiety, money scarcity, grief, and family dynamics that often intensify during the season, offering compassionate strategies for caring for yourself as a therapist and a human.

Key Takeaways for Therapists

You don’t need an Instagram-worthy vacation: real rest is allowed.
Rest is a process, not a switch; transition time matters.
It’s okay to be partially off and still check in lightly as needed.
Passive rest (scrolling) and active rest (movement, nature, connection) serve different purposes.
Anxiety, scarcity mindset, or family stress may drive overworking—notice the “why.”
The holidays can be hard; grief and emotional complexity deserve compassion.

Full show notes at: mtsgpodcast.com

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Creative Credits

Voice Over by DW McCann — https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/
Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano — https://groomsymusic.com/