Let Go of the Pressure to Be Happy Every Minute

It’s easy to feel like you need to be happy every minute of the day, but what if you could let go of that pressure? I’m a huge advocate for embracing the beauty of an imperfect life, but that doesn’t mean we have to constantly strive for more.

Sometimes, the most profound thing we can do is step back and simply be.

We don’t have to fill every second with doing. Some days need breathing room.

We don’t have to carry everyone’s burdens or always stay on top of every detail. It’s okay to care deeply—and also to rest.

We don’t have to deep clean or declutter or organize just because life feels messy. If you enjoy that, wonderful. And if you’re tired, it’s okay to be still.

We don’t have to put on a smile and keep everyone else afloat every single day. Some days, retreating to your room with a book or light-hearted video might be the most loving thing you can do—for yourself and your family.

We don’t have to prove our worth through productivity. Taking a break, stepping back, or slowing down doesn’t mean we’re failing—it means we’re human.

So if you’ve been feeling like you need to have everything figured out or like you’re falling short—breathe. You don’t have to carry that weight. You don’t have to explain yourself to everyone. You can assume the best, extend grace, and let go of the need to be fully understood.

That, too, is part of walking in freedom.

You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to be quiet. You are allowed to just be.

Are Joy and Happiness the Same Thing?

You are allowed to not feel happy every minute.

What I do, what they do, what you do—it’s all personal. Unique to each of us. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, especially in the midst of homemaking and motherhood. So please… just do you.

I hope you’ll still take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and notice the flowers on the petals. Relish the laughter of windchimes and children. Walk around your home and marvel at its potential for comfort.

But those are just suggestions—for when you’re ready. Because some days? We might need to nest a bit deeper, take a pause, or simply rest in the comfort of our own space.

”Happiness is based on what is happening around us. Joy is based on what is happening within us.” – Margaret Minnicks

What Does the Bible Say About Joy?

Did you know the Bible has plenty to say about joy and happiness? How is joy different than happiness?

Check out The Bible Verses Regarding Joy here.

Joy often includes happiness as a precious gift, but happiness doesn’t always have a foundation in true joy.

If you’re struggling, it’s important to remember that God is near to you in your challenges. Here’s a comforting reminder from the Bible:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

This verse reminds us that it’s okay to not be okay. God is with us in the hardest moments, offering grace when we feel low.

How to Embrace Rest in Your Life

Here are a few simple steps to help you practice restoration during difficult moments:

1. Create a “Do Nothing” Time

Schedule short breaks throughout your day where you intentionally choose not to be productive—whether that’s sitting with a cup of tea, listening to your favorite music, or simply staring out the window. It’s okay to do nothing.

2. Set Boundaries with Social Media

Limit your time consuming news or scrolling through social media. Research indicates that doomscrolling—excessively consuming negative online content—can make you 12 times more likely to suffer from serious anxiety & depression. Sometimes, a digital detox can help you regain your emotional balance.

3. Create a Gratitude List

Take a moment each day to write down a few things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s going right, helping you stay grounded even in difficult times.

4. Shift Focus to Others

When we struggle with anxiety or feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, it’s easy to become self-focused. A wonderful antidote is to intentionally focus on others. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, sending a kind note, or simply making someone else’s day a little brighter, shifting your attention outward can provide a sense of purpose and joy.

Positively Jane has a great post about joy vs. happiness!

You don’t have to be happy every minute

Life’s ups and downs are natural.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back. Rest in God’s grace, allow yourself the space to simply be, and trust that joy will meet you when the time is right. For me, that peace comes from Jesus, who offers unshakable comfort in the midst of all the stuff.

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” –Henri Nouwen

Want a gentle reminder of these truths? I created a free printable to help you carry joy into your everyday—tuck it in your Bible or hang it by the sink. You can grab it here..

I’m with you, letting go of the pressure to always be “okay.” I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that peace comes when we seek Jesus, trust in His grace, and rest in His presence. It’s there we’ll find rest for our souls.