How to Turn Off the Busyness: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Finding Rest
Have you ever found yourself so accustomed to being busy that when you finally get a moment with nothing on the agenda, your brain won’t quiet down? You start brainstorming ways to fill the time: maybe catch up on work, tackle the laundry, run a quick errand, or do anything to keep things moving.
Sis, I felt this deeply just the other day.
My husband surprised me by getting the kids ready and dropping them off at school and daycare, which is normally part of my routine. Suddenly, I had two hours before my next task. No diapers. No drop-offs. Just… silence. And, I didn’t know what to do with it.
My brain, wired for productivity, wouldn’t sit still. I literally had to do a pep talk on myself, “Girl, chill,” and I had to remind myself:
You don’t have to fill every moment. It’s okay to just be.
But let’s be honest—how do you even turn off the “busy” when your life has been built around it for so long?
If you’re like me, you’ve asked:
“Lord, what does resting in You really look like?” or in so many words asked, “Lord, how do I turn off the busy?”
Let’s walk through this together, using scripture, reflection, and practical steps to help you rest in God’s peace. I will also throw in some journal prompts for good measure. If you need a tangible journal, check out my collections, HERE
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Off Busy
Step 1: Recognize That Rest Is God’s Gift, Not a Weakness
Scripture: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Reflection:
Jesus invites us, not commands, not demands to rest. Rest isn’t something you earn after doing enough. It’s a gift freely given because you’re already loved.
Journal Prompt:
Write down what you think rest should look like. Then, ask God to help you release that pressure and receive His version of rest.
Step 2: Create Space for Stillness Without Guilt
Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Reflection:
Stillness isn’t laziness. It’s sacred. When you pause, you’re allowing God to take the lead. You’re acknowledging that life doesn’t run on your hustle but on His grace.
Action:
Set a 10-minute timer today. No phone. No to-do list. Just sit in God’s presence and breathe. Say, “Lord, I’m here. Help me to just be with You.”
Step 3: Let Go of False Identity in Productivity
Scripture: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
— Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)
Reflection:
We live in a culture that praises the grind. But God values your being over your doing. Your worth isn’t measured in how much you get done it’s in who you belong to.
Journal Prompt
Write a declaration: “I am not what I do. I am who God says I am. I choose to rest in His strength today.” Ask God what that looks like in your life and write the answer in your journal.
Step 4: Build a Rhythm of Rest Into Your Life
Scripture: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
— Hebrews 4:9 (NIV)
Reflection:
Rest isn’t a one-time treat it’s a lifestyle. God designed the Sabbath because He knew we’d need it regularly. Even He rested after creating the world.
Action:
Pick one day this week to unplug for at least 1 hour. No chores, no phone. Just rest, reflect, and receive. Put it in your calendar like an appointment with God because it is.
Step 5: Replace Inner Noise with God’s Voice
Scripture: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
— Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Reflection:
Turning off busy means tuning in to God. When your mind is racing, anchor it in truth. Let scripture replace the swirl of stress.
Action:
Speak this aloud when your thoughts won’t stop:
“God, I trust You. I choose peace over pressure. I welcome Your rest into this moment.”
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It All
Let this be your gentle reminder:
You don’t have to earn rest.
You don’t have to fill every space.
You don’t have to carry it all.
You get to be still. You get to breathe. You get to rest—in Him.
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