Why I Needed a Vacation (And What It Taught Me About Burnout)

By Tiffany Wilson, Owner of Well Rested Massage

I’ve said it before (and I’ll say it again): I started Well Rested Massage because I was burnt out and needed a soft place to land. That space didn’t exist for me at the time so I created it. From day one, my mission has been to offer a place

here rest is honored, not earned. A place where people can slow down, recover, and reset.

But here’s the hard truth: even as a champion for rest, I still struggle to prioritize it in my own life. As a mom to a very active 7-year-old and the owner of a growing business, it’s easy to put myself last on the list. I love my family. I love my work and our team. But both are still very young and very dependent on me and that can be a lot to carry.

Lately, I made the mistake of putting my own self-care on the back burner. Between exciting events like the Millbury Farmers Market, Summerfest at Hebert's Candy Mansion, welcoming a new team member, and launching new services like R&R (Reiki and Reflexology), I told myself I didn’t have time to slow down. I was also navigating summer camp challenges and juggling last-minute changes to childcare. “Camp Mom-or-Dad” became our backup plan, and I found myself scrambling to adjust.

I started feeling a little… off. Frazzled. Normally, I can keep it in check, but then I made a mistake I never make...I ended a client’s session 15 minutes early. I was mortified. That’s not who I am. I pride myself on delivering intentional, sacred experiences where the outside world doesn’t interfere and I had let mine sneak in.

“I just need this vacation,” I kept telling myself. I thought once we boarded the cruise ship, I’d relax. I’d hydrate, eat well, unplug, and reset. But from delayed flights to exhaustion to a sick child, our trip didn’t go as planned.

On day three, during an excursion in Sitka, my daughter began crying from sudden ear pain. We were stranded on a long bus ride, and all I could do was hold her, helpless. She got sicker, and I was devastated for her, of course, but also for myself. I’d pinned so much hope on this trip as the answer to my burnout, and now I couldn’t even be present for it.

It hit me hard just how depleted I really was.

What this experience taught me—yet again—is that self-care can’t wait until vacation. We can’t expect one week away to undo months of stress. Rest needs to be built into our everyday lives. Not in huge, sweeping gestures, but in small, intentional acts that remind our bodies and minds we matter too.

So if you’re reading this and feeling a little worn thin, here are three easy self-care practices that don’t require a plane ticket or an open calendar:

1. Two-Minute Transitions

Before switching tasks, whether it’s from work to parenting, or from one client to the next, pause for just two minutes. Breathe deeply. Stretch. Close your eyes. These little resets keep stress from snowballing.

2. Drink Your Water Like It’s Medicine

Hydration affects mood, energy, and even your ability to handle stress. Fill a reusable water bottle at the start of the day and challenge yourself to finish it before lunch. Then refill and repeat.

3. Put Yourself on Your Calendar

Even if it's just 10 minutes, block time for something that’s just for you. Reading, journaling, walking, or simply doing nothing. Don’t treat this time as optional. You deserve a spot on your own priority list.

If you’re struggling to find time for rest, please know you’re not alone. I created Well Rested Massage to hold space for people just like us—people who give and do and care deeply, but who need support to recharge, too.

Let’s stop waiting for “someday” to care for ourselves. Let’s start now.