I feel guilty when I have to slow down or take a sick week. How should I journal about that without beating myself up?

Start by naming the guilt: “I feel guilty because…” Then separate facts from interpretations. Write two columns: Facts (e.g., “I have a fever”) vs. Stories (e.g., “I’m lazy if I rest”). Ask: What evidence supports the story? What evidence contradicts it? Next, write a permission statement: “Today, rest is my job.” End with one compassionate action you’ll allow yourself (e.g., naps, short walk, simple meals). Using Stoic as your daily companion, jot these quick notes each day of your sick week to track how your self-talk softens over time.

How can I apply stoic principles to reframe detours and delays when I’m forced to slow down?

Use the dichotomy of control. In your entry, make two lists: 1) Within my control (attitude, pacing, hydration, asking for help, communicating boundaries), 2) Not in my control (timeline, others’ reactions, how fast I heal). Then write one sentence reframing the delay as practice: “This slowdown is training my patience and priorities.” Close with a tiny, controllable next step for the day (e.g., send one status update, choose one nourishing activity). Capture this in the Stoic app so you can revisit the reframes when life speeds up again.

I’m restless and want to push through chores even when I’m unwell. What’s a simple journaling structure to help me pause?

Try this 5-line check-in: 1) Body check: What sensations are present? 2) Energy scale: 0–10, how depleted am I? 3) One non-essential I can pause or delegate today is… 4) One essential I’ll keep is… 5) If I rest now, future-me benefits by… Re-read line 5 before acting. If you still feel urge pressure, set a brief intention like, “For the next hour, I’ll protect recovery.” Logging this in Stoic daily can make the pause feel intentional rather than like you’re falling behind.

Journaling Idea - On Detours and Delays.

How do you act when life forces you to slow down?

How do you feel when you have to take a sick week off from work or school? Do you try to push through and keep doing your chores, or do you happily embrace the break?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Jan 27, 2026

Journal in Stoic

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Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

How do you act when life forces you to slow down?

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