Advertise on podcast: Awkwardly Anna

# Creative Ways to Rest, Even When Rest Feels Unnatural Anna Barr shares a short, practical episode on redefining rest as a gift rather than something to earn. She walks through small, realistic ways to build rest into everyday life, especially if slowing down feels uncomfortable, guilty, or unproductive. This episode is for anyone who feels like rest only counts if it is a vacation or a reward after everything is finished. Anna offers gentle, faith-based reframes and simple micro-rest ideas you can try this week. ## Key topics - Anna explains why “rest” can feel like a trigger word, tied to laziness, guilt, or the fear of sitting with your thoughts. - She reframes rest from a reward into a necessary rhythm of human life and a gift from God. - She introduces **productive rest** as a bridge for people who struggle with the word “rest.” - She shares **micro-rests** that fit into normal life, not just big vacations or retreats. - The **laundry audit**: pairing a chore with a favorite show, podcast, or video series so the task feels restorative. - The **silent walk**: leaving headphones behind to let the brain process without external input. - She encourages an **app purge** for the weekend by deleting social media apps, not accounts, to reduce unconscious scrolling. - She highlights the **power of no** as a zero-cost way to protect capacity and create space for rest. - She connects rest to scripture, especially **Ephesians 2:8-9** and **Matthew 11:28**, as reminders that love is not earned by productivity. - She shares simple spiritual practices like **breath prayer**, **writing the Psalms**, and a **parking lot technique** for offloading mental clutter. - She recommends **visual transitions**, like changing clothes after work, to signal to the nervous system that it is time to shift into rest. ## Timestamps 00:00 - Episode intro and invitation for podcast ideas 00:27 - Why rest feels unnatural and emotionally loaded 00:53 - Reframing rest as productive rest, then simply rest 01:23 - Rest is not earned, it is a gift from God 01:50 - God’s example of rest in creation 02:19 - Why rest does not have to mean a big vacation 02:49 - The laundry audit and anchoring chores to leisure 03:17 - Silent walks without podcasts or music 04:16 - Guarding your mental space by deleting social apps for a weekend 04:46 - Cutting down unconscious scrolling habits 05:10 - The power of no and protecting your capacity 06:07 - When restlessness may point to deeper wounds around earning love 06:30 - Ephesians 2:8-9 and rest as grace, not works 06:58 - Rest as an act of faith and trust 07:27 - Matthew 11:28 and coming to God in weariness 07:53 - Breath prayer as an instant recalibration 08:51 - Writing the Psalms slowly with pen and paper 09:50 - Parking lot technique for anxious, unfinished thoughts 10:19 - Visual transitions to shift out of work mode 11:17 - Final reminder that rest is not a waste of time ## Notable quotes - “Rest is an example we have been shown in his word, in his creation.” - “Rest is an act of faith.” - “You’re worthy of rest because you’re loved by a very, very, very good God.” Contact: [email protected]

Why I Quit Social Media (Personally & Professionally) As a Former Social Media Manager and Life Coach This is not to guilt you to quitting social media. This is not to present myself as better than anyone else. This is my own personal experience: What a social media manager does Other uses I had for social media What I found it did to my brain How I took small steps towards truly quitting it What positive results were shown to me after doing this Enjoy this listen, take what you need & find encouraging and leave what you don't. Contact: [email protected] www.awkwardlyanna.com Philippians 4:7-8 NIV [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Thank you for listening!

5 Minute Mom Boost Series Day 5 Hope for Your Future Mom Encouragement Scripture for Moms Quick Podcast Episode for Christian Moms Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.' Song: "Goodness of God" by CeCe Winans YouTube Playlist for all 5 days of this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEA_s2dAD_Rtqa3tlIMyBu2EsF8YWqxO&si=_sSVQaAwFA4Y59Ig Email me: [email protected]

5 Day Mom Boost Series Day 4: Rest in His Presence Encouragement for Moms Quick Scripture Listen with Encouragement Worship Song Ideas Rest Scripture: Exodus 33:14 "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Song: "The Blessing" by Elevation Worship & Kari Jobe YouTube Playlist with all 5 days of songs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEA_s2dAD_Rtqa3tlIMyBu2EsF8YWqxO&si=_sSVQaAwFA4Y59Ig Contact Anna: [email protected]

5 Minute Mom Boost Series Day 3 Finding Your Worth In God Scripture: 139:14 "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Song: 'You Say' by Lauren Daigle YouTube Playlist for all 5 Days: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEA_s2dAD_Rtqa3tlIMyBu2EsF8YWqxO&si=_sSVQaAwFA4Y59Ig My email: [email protected]

5 Minute Mom Boost Series Day 2 The Peace That Calms Anxiety Scripture: Matthew 6:27 "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Song: Way Maker by Leeland YouTube Playlist for the entire 5 days (please keep in mind that I can't control what ads pop up): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEA_s2dAD_Rtqa3tlIMyBu2EsF8YWqxO&si=_sSVQaAwFA4Y59Ig My Email: [email protected]

5 Minute Mom Boost Series Day 1: Strength for the Weary Mom Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Song: No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music YouTube Playlist (I can't control what ads pop up, so please keep that in mind when listening with littles:) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEA_s2dAD_Rtqa3tlIMyBu2EsF8YWqxO&si=_sSVQaAwFA4Y59Ig My Email: [email protected]

contentment, personal growth, faith, community, gratitude, motherhood, overcoming challenges, spiritual journey, self-worth, isolation Episode Summary In this episode, we're exploring the theme of contentment, sharing some of my personal journey and struggles with feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Emphasizing that true contentment comes from God, not from external circumstances, and offers practical steps to cultivate a sense of gratitude and connection with others. Takeaways Contentment is often tested before we can teach it. Feeling isolated is a common struggle for many, especially mothers. True contentment comes from God, not circumstances. Practicing gratitude can shift our focus from lack to abundance. Community and connection are vital for overcoming feelings of isolation. Contentment is a journey, not a destination. We must anchor ourselves in God's Word for true peace. Our worth is not determined by our daily successes or failures. Being a homeschool mom is a calling and a unique work. We can find joy in the small blessings of life.

Episode 146: Becoming More Present in a World That Praises Busy & Overwhelmed Becoming more present: Saving my favorite for last so listen all the way through! According to AI the Benefits of being are: Reduced anxiety: Grounding yourself in the present can help you stay calm and avoid worrying Better relationships: Being present in conversations can help you be more empathetic and understanding More authentic: Being present can help you be more genuine and responsive to others Today we're discussing 5 categories to become even more present in a world that shows us to live distracted, living a life of constantly consuming over creating, and society that is immersed in a lack of presence. Let's actively decide to be against this. Be weird. Be awkward. Be present. Listen for HOW. Resources Mentioned: Christian Sleep Affirmations on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0D1ZGD1S9?ref=dm_sh_koryOtwdZ95ssuWeOmZJ9g25Q Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker https://a.co/d/2e1lGlT "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Today, we're discussing the basics of confidence for the everyday woman who is committed to improving her life one small step at a time. These are the first steps you can take to massively grow your confidence. These tips work regardless of external circumstances. Become confident in the worst of times and see how filled with encouragement and peace you are in the best of times. I learned these during prolonged illness, financial difficulty, everyday stress, etc. If these can be learned AND WORK during times like that then I assure you these will help you. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to encourage others so thank you for listening, leaving a review, and sharing this episode. I'm so grateful for you! -Anna "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The #1 thing to combat grumpiness and appear more confident We're discussing the #1 thing AND how to do it. You're confidence will instantly grow and this cost zero dollars. Ready to invest in your growth even more? Email me [email protected] to see what Coaching Options I have open in the new year! Instagram: @annaelysebarr_ MY FAV five dollar gratitude journal I sell on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9QTS3OS

No matter how hectic your work schedules, travel schedules, kids sports schedules, poor sleep routines, holidays, etc. It's SO easy for marriage to stop being prioritized. A good marriage takes work. It's more than just "sticking it out" it's about loving well, growing together, learning from mistakes, and connecting. This episode gives you a list of practical (& proven effective) strategies you can implement to feel more connected right away. You can pick ONE to start this month and you'll be so smitten (with one another) and how your marriage has strengthened by New Year's! Want coaching in this area? Email me: [email protected] Connect on Instagram: @annaelysebarr_ Could I have your help? Reviews help other people see my show. Please leave a kind review to help others find more episodes like this. Thank you! -Anna Resources mentioned: Paired App: https://www.paired.com/ The Naked Marriage Podcast: https://xomarriage.com/podcasts/the-naked-marriage/ John & Lisa Bevere Marriage Course: https://www.messengercourses.com/the-story-of-marriage

The podcast is BACK! Yay!! Back to School & Back to Podcasting! Today we’re discussing relationships (life-giving or not, balanced or not, disappointing or not.)  Fall is a great time to do this healthy exercise of relationship evaluation.  This is NOT from a place of guilt or bashing of any kind but instead from a place of growth & grace (if you’re new here that’s our family motto- growth & grace).    In this episode you will learn the exercise I use for writing out, reflecting on, evaluating, and taking action.  I recommend this for everyone but especially for anyone who feels hurt at times, left out, awkward ever, or just feels ready for more.  Speaking of being ready for more- if you’re ready to step into coaching in this area you can see my coaching options here: http://www.awkwardlyanna.com  Or email me here: mailto:[email protected]  Insta: @annaelysebarr_

So often we are called to stay. Staying in one place professionally can easily get to where it feels stagnant. If you're committed to GROWING though, you will quickly see that the current place you are at could just be your biggest place where you GROW. Need coaching in this area (confident communication specifically?) email me: [email protected] Did you find this episode helpful? Please leave a review and let me know! Thank you! -Anna

I LOVE this topic so much! I've been blessed to be coached by and trained by World Renowned Confidence Coach Trish Blackwell www.trishblackwell.com These tips are QUICK to implement and show immediate positive results. Want to receive coaching and accountability in this area so you can grow even faster? Email me: [email protected] to set up a coaching session! Resources Mentioned for seeing yourself how God sees you to grow your confidence: Joyce Meyer https://joycemeyer.org/Shows Christine Caine https://christinecaine.com/ Lisa Bevere https://lisabevere.com/ Were you encouraged by this episode? Please leave a review and let me know! Thank you! -Anna