Can’t Relax? It’s Not Just Stress—It’s Survival

A note from Nora. Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief:

Can’t relax—even on your weekends?
Ever feel more anxious about taking a break than just powering through the to-do list?

You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

In this eye-opening article from Issue 001 of Nora. Magazine, therapist and entrepreneur Shulamit Ber Levtov unpacks why rest can feel dangerous for many female founders—especially those navigating trauma, marginalization, or survival-mode business realities. Far from a productivity pep talk, this piece offers deep validation, cultural critique, and gentle, actionable guidance for those trying to reclaim rest in a world that equates worth with output.

Read the Full Article

Key Takeaways

When you can’t relax because rest feels unsafe, it’s often a nervous system response—not a personal failing.
Toxic productivity stems from capitalism’s extractive logic, not just hustle culture.
The moralization of productivity is deeply rooted in cultural and religious narratives.
Access to rest is shaped by privilege; it is not equally available to everyone.
Building a culture of accessible rest starts with self-awareness, compassion, and small, doable shifts.

A note paper-clipped to a white, rumpled bedsheet reads, "You don't need to earn your rest. You just need to remember you're worthy of it." The tone is calming and reassuring.

Meet Our Contributor

Shulamit Ber Levtov is known as The Entrepreneur’s Therapist, and for good reason. With 30+ years of business experience and 24+ years supporting women’s mental health, she merges compassionate therapy with real-world entrepreneurial insight. As a certified expert in The Trauma of Money, Financial Social Work, and Nonviolent Communication, Shula is a rare voice at the intersection of mental health, business, and culture change. Her work helps entrepreneurs protect their peace of mind so they can thrive emotionally while building values-led businesses.

Why It Matters to Her

Shula embodies Nora.’s core values through every paragraph of this piece. “So many of my entrepreneur clients know they should rest, but struggle with the discomfort of ‘doing nothing.’ My heart aches when these deeply capable, impactful people deny themselves the very thing they need to stay resourced—so they can keep doing the work they love. Writing about rest for Nora. was my way of offering permission and a starting point. If this piece helps even one reader take a first small, doable step toward real rest, it’s worth it.”

A smiling person in a soft pink outfit is lying on a bed, joyfully interacting with a fluffy dog. The text reads, "Your worth does not need to be justified through productivity." The tone is warm and comforting.

Take Inspired Action

Next time you find yourself pushing through when your body is asking for rest, pause. Say hello to the part of you that’s afraid to stop. Notice it without judgment. Then, take one tiny act of rest—drink water, breathe, close a tab. Rest doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful.

SUBSCRIBE TO NORA. MAGAZINE