The 15-Minute Reset: Why You Don’t Always Need a Nap

Today was one of those days—beautiful outside, yet for some reason, I felt exhausted. We had just come back from a trip, settling back into our routine, cleaning, organizing, and getting things back in order. I wanted to keep moving, to be productive, but at the same time, I felt tired. Not sleepy, not bored—just drained.

I thought, Maybe I just need a quick nap. So, I set a timer for 15 minutes, ready to crash on the couch. But right before I lay down, something shifted. Instead of napping, I decided to step outside. I walked to my backyard, sat on the porch swing, and let myself be. No phone, no distractions—just the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds, the stillness of the moment.

And something incredible happened.

After just 15 minutes of sitting outside, doing nothing, I felt completely re-energized. I wasn’t sleepy anymore. I went back inside and finished making dinner in no time. My mind felt clearer, my body lighter. That tiny reset changed my entire day.

The Lesson: Mental Fatigue vs. Physical Fatigue

As moms, we’re constantly on. There’s always something to do, someone to take care of, a never-ending list of responsibilities. And when exhaustion hits, we assume we need to sleep—but what if we’re not actually physically tired? What if we’re just mentally drained?

So often, we don’t need more sleep—we need more space. More quiet. More moments to breathe.

How many times have you taken a nap only to wake up feeling groggier? It’s because rest isn’t just about closing your eyes. It’s about giving yourself permission to pause.

The 15 minutes challenge!

Next time you feel that midday slump, before you crawl into bed, try this instead:

1. Step outside – Even if it’s just your porch or backyard.

2. Put your phone away – No scrolling, no distractions.

3. Do nothing – No agenda, no productivity. Just exist.

4. Let nature do the work – Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds around you.

You might be surprised at how much better you feel after just 15 minutes.

We always say, I don’t have time. But sometimes, the best way to make time is to pause and take a breath. The world won’t fall apart if you step away for a moment—but you might just come back feeling alive again.

So here’s your reminder: Take the break. Step outside. Let yourself be.

And watch how everything shifts.