You want to be someone who can rest without guilt. Someone who can be present, have fun, enjoy the moment, but it feels hard. Like another thing on your to-do list. In this episode, we unpack why things like rest, play, and downtime feel so exhausting when they're supposed to feel good.
I walk you through why it's not about laziness or being "too Type A"… it's about safety. Nervous system safety. And if you've ever thought, "I know I'm allowed to relax… but I just can't let myself," this one's for you!!
Action Steps:
Name the thing you wish you let yourself enjoy more. "Something I wish I let myself enjoy more is…"
Notice the fear behind it. "What am I afraid will happen if I actually let myself enjoy this?" This could be fear of being lazy, losing control, being judged, or not being good enough.
Shift from 'allowed to' → 'letting myself.' Say it out loud:
"I'm not just allowed to enjoy ____. I'm letting myself enjoy it." This is the difference between knowing something and actually practicing it.
Start with five minutes. Choose one low-pressure moment this week to practice letting yourself enjoy that one thin, even for just five minutes.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Fun feels exhausting
01:45 – It's not your personality, it's your nervous system
03:00 – When enjoyment becomes another task
05:00 – You don't need more hacks, you need safety
06:30 – You've Googled how to be more fun + here's what's missing
08:00 – You don't want more, you want less
10:00 – My therapist asked if I had any hobbies
12:20 – What are you afraid will happen if you stop proving yourself?
14:00 – Your body doesn't speak logic, it speaks survival
15:00 – Rest feels like danger when your worth is tied to doing
16:00 – Allowing vs. letting: the energy difference
18:30 – Why joy and pleasure aren't wastes of time
19:45 – Escaping your life through food, work, or distraction
21:00 – You don't need more fixing, you need more understanding
22:00 – The 5-minute challenge
23:00 – Practice now for ease later
24:30 – Let yourself enjoy one thing, just a little more
BINGE EATING UNCHAINED
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ABOUT RYANN
I'm Ryann Nicole, a licensed therapist and certified nutritionist. I help people transform their relationship with food and break free from binge eating. My mission is to empower others to find mental peace, embrace balance, and live life unchained from food noise.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice.