173. You’re Not the Only One Who Thinks Having Fun Sounds… Exhausting

The Ryann Nicole Podcast

You want to be someone who can rest without guilt. Someone who can be present, have fun, enjoy the moment, but it feels hard. Like another thing on your to-do list. In this episode, we unpack why things like rest, play, and downtime feel so exhausting when they’re supposed to feel good.

I walk you through why it’s not about laziness or being “too Type A”… it’s about safety. Nervous system safety. And if you’ve ever thought, “I know I’m allowed to relax… but I just can’t let myself,” this one’s for you!!

Instagram Post Referenced

Action Steps:

• Name the thing you wish you let yourself enjoy more. “Something I wish I let myself enjoy more is…”

• Notice the fear behind it. “What am I afraid will happen if I actually let myself enjoy this?” This could be fear of being lazy, losing control, being judged, or not being good enough.

• Shift from ‘allowed to’ → ‘letting myself.’ Say it out loud: “I’m not just allowed to enjoy ____. I’m letting myself enjoy it.” This is the difference between knowing something and actually practicing it.

• Start with five minutes. Choose one low-pressure moment this week to practice letting yourself enjoy that one thin, even for just five minutes.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Fun feels exhausting 01:45 – It's not your personality, it’s your nervous system 03:00 – When enjoyment becomes another task 05:00 – You don’t need more hacks, you need safety 06:30 – You’ve Googled how to be more fun + here’s what’s missing 08:00 – You don’t want more, you want less 10:00 – My therapist asked if I had any hobbies 12:20 – What are you afraid will happen if you stop proving yourself? 14:00 – Your body doesn’t speak logic, it speaks survival 15:00 – Rest feels like danger when your worth is tied to doing 16:00 – Allowing vs. letting: the energy difference 18:30 – Why joy and pleasure aren’t wastes of time 19:45 – Escaping your life through food, work, or distraction 21:00 – You don’t need more fixing, you need more understanding 22:00 – The 5-minute challenge 23:00 – Practice now for ease later 24:30 – Let yourself enjoy one thing, just a little more

BINGE EATING UNCHAINED

The last program you’ll need to stop binge eating. Enroll here!

THE PERSPECTIVE SHIFT NEWSLETTER

14k+ read my free newsletter The Perspective Shift: a weekly(ish) newsletter that challenges ideas on what it means to live a simply full life. Subscribe here!

SOCIALS

📸 Instagram

🎵 TikTok

🎥 Youtube

ABOUT RYANN

I’m Ryann Nicole, a licensed therapist and certified nutritionist. I help people transform their relationship with food and break free from binge eating. My mission is to empower others to find mental peace, embrace balance, and live life unchained from food noise.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice.