A Day to Myself: The Battle Between Rest and Productivity

Today is one of those rare Saturdays where I have the entire day to myself — no plans, no obligations, just time. You’d think that would feel freeing, but instead I’ve found myself torn between two very different pulls: the desire to relax and recharge, and the urge to be productive and “make the most” of the day. Part of me wants to curl up and relax on the couch and watch TV, while another part is whispering about housework, content creation, and coursework waiting to be done. It’s a mental tug-of-war between doing and being.

As I sit at my kitchen table processing my paralysis by analysis, I figured I could be productive by sharing about it in today's blog post. I need to take the advice I give others, who come to me in this same situation.

Why can't I do a little bit of each? When I answer this question, what comes to my mind is I just want to get is all done. I have so much that needs to get done and I feel guilty if I am not always productive. I know this is common for many women. There always seems to be some type of housework that needs to get done. As a business owner there is always something I need to be working on. Working a day job takes up a lot of time during the week, so I feel like any time outside of that I should be packing in as much as I can for my business and content creations. This month I am also working on completing course requirements for a vegan lifestyle coach and educator certification.

Venting about this here is helping me process my mental clutter. I am going to make myself a healthy and tasty lunch. Then do some course requirements and then do something for fun. I need to take my own advice and just be present. Completing a couple of items from my to-do list is productive. Resting and doing something for fun is also productive, as it will recharge me and give me the energy I need for everything else and not feel stressed and resentful.

Do you ever struggle with paralysis by analysis? Here are some journal prompts that can help you break free from the internal struggle and move forward.

Journal Prompts for Overcoming Paralysis by Analysis

Awareness & Understanding

1. What situation or decision am I currently overthinking?

   
   

2. What am I afraid might happen if I make the “wrong” choice?

   
   

3. When I get stuck in analysis, what thoughts or stories usually repeat in my mind?

   
   

4. How does overthinking make me feel in my body — tightness, heaviness, restlessness?

   
   

5. What am I trying to protect myself from by staying in the thinking phase?

Self-Compassion & Reflection

1. What would I say to a friend who was feeling stuck like this?

   
   

2. How can I offer myself that same compassion right now?

   
   

3. When in my life have I made a decision without overthinking — and it worked out just fine?

   
   

4. What did that experience teach me about trusting myself?

   
   

5. What does “enough thinking” look or feel like for me?

Shifting into Action

1. What is one small step I can take today — even if it’s imperfect?

   
   

2. What outcome am I truly seeking here? (And is it perfection, safety, or progress?)

   
   

3. If I knew the outcome would work out either way, what would I choose right now?

   
   

4. How might it feel to take action and learn as I go instead of waiting until I know everything?

   
   

5. What could I gain by acting now rather than waiting for the “perfect” time or plan?

Writing about this and reflecting on some of these questions is helping me feel more grounded about my day. Do you experience paralysis by analysis? What has helped you move through it?

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a recovering people-pleaser turned confidence coach. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. Now, she helps busy women simplify plant-based living so they can improve their health, save time, and feel supported—even if their family isn’t on board. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast—where they help you start your day the vegan way, live every Monday at 7 AM ET on YouTube.