Episode Summary:
In this episode ofUnwritten Chapters, we dive into the guilt many of us feel when taking a mental health day. Why do we reward overworking but feel bad about resting? I share a personal story about a recent family mental health day and explore why we associate productivity with worth, why we struggle to justify rest, and how we can start reframing rest as a necessity rather than a luxury.

00:00 – Intro & Personal Story

• The day my family and I took a collective mental health day
• My wife’s feelings of guilt afterward
• The question:Why do we feel guilty for taking care of ourselves?

05:30 – Why Do We Feel Guilty?

• The cultural glorification of overwork (“grind culture”)
• The pressure of responsibility and the feeling of “falling behind”
• The belief that productivity = self-worth

12:45 – The Double Standard of Overworking vs. Resting

• Why long hours are praised, but rest is seen as indulgent
• The real cost of never taking breaks (burnout, resentment, health issues)
• The irony:Working without rest actually makes us less productive

20:10 – Reframing Rest as Necessary, Not Indulgent

• Why rest isrecovery, not laziness
• The importance of mental health days for long-term well-being
• Science-backed benefits: How rest improves creativity, focus, and emotional resilience

28:30 – Personal Takeaway & Encouragement

• You do not have to earn rest. You deserve to take care of yourself.
• A reminder:You are not a machine. You are a human being who needs rest to thrive.
• Final thoughts and listener encouragement

✅ Hustle culture has conditioned us to equate rest with laziness—but that’s a lie.
✅ We feel guilty about taking breaks but don’t hesitate to overwork ourselves.
✅ Rest is necessary for mental and physical health, productivity, and well-being.
✅ You donot have to earn rest. You deserve it.

📖Related Blog Post:The Guilt of Rest – Why We Struggle to Take Mental Health Days
🎧Listen to More Episodes:Unwritten Chapters Podcast

💬 Have you ever felt guilty for taking a break? Let’s talk about it! Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me on social media.

🔁 If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it today.

🎙️Until next time—take care of yourself. You deserve it.

For more stories about personal growth, mental health,and living with PTSD as well as learning how you can publish your turn and turnyour trauma into a vehicle to help others, be sure to follow the podcast, andplease, like, share and subscribe to the Unwritten Chapters Podcast.

Follow Me on Social Media or Send me a Message:

· Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenchapterspodcast/

· Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570235138813

· YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@Unwritten_Chapters_podcast

Purchase my Books Here:

· A Medic’s Mind:https://a.co/d/aV77MDd

· Woven in War:https://a.co/d/b3L147d

In this episode of the Unwritten Chapters podcast (formerly A Medic's Mind), we’re revisiting the past to uncover how it helps in moving forward in life. Join me as I reflect on my very first podcast episode, sharing powerful paramedic stories and my PTSD journey. This mental health podcast dives into overcoming trauma, recovery from addiction, and the highs and lows of my paramedic experience as both a Canadian Army medic and civilian responder. With heartfelt storytelling, personal growth insights, and writing as therapy, this episode explores post-traumatic stress disorder, hypervigilance stories, depression, and the path to a sobriety journey. Perfect for veterans, mental health advocates, and anyone seeking a self-reflection podcast that resonates deeply with life’s challenges and triumphs.

For more stories about personal growth, mental health, and living with PTSD as well as learning how you can publish your turn and turn your trauma into a vehicle to help others, be sure to follow the podcast, and please, like, share and subscribe to the Unwritten Chapters Podcast.

Follow Me on Social Media or Send me a Message:

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenchapterspodcast/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570235138813

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Unwritten_Chapters_podcast

Purchase my Books Here:

· A Medic’s Mind: https://a.co/d/aV77MDd

· Woven in War: https://a.co/d/b3L147d

Discover how midlife growth can lead to incredible personal evolution and a fulfilling life after 40. In this video, I share insights into navigating fatherhood, embracing personal growth in your 40s, and finding meaning through midlife reflections. Explore how career stability, a parenting perspective, and life lessons at 40 shape your journey. From growing through decades to cherishing high school nostalgia, this is about reflecting on family dynamics, experiencing a mindset shift at 40, and embracing change. Learn how to find purpose, embrace midlife transformation, and prioritize personal development. Through self-reflection and your personal journey, uncover valuable life experiences, a perspective shift, and heartfelt fatherhood insights. This is a guide to core memories, overcoming parenting challenges, and achieving maturity and growth. Join me in understanding midlife, embracing an evolving mindset, and focusing on midlife reflections and growth to start rewriting your story.

For more stories about personal growth, mental health, and living with PTSD as well as learning how you can publish your turn and turn your trauma into a vehicle to help others, be sure to follow the podcast, and please, like, share and subscribe to the Unwritten Chapters Podcast.=

Follow Me on Social Media or Send me a Message:

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenchapterspodcast/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570235138813

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Unwritten_Chapters_podcast

Purchase my Books Here:

· A Medic’s Mind: https://a.co/d/aV77MDd

· Woven in War: https://a.co/d/b3L147d

Discover practical wildfire mental health strategies and PTSD coping tips from a survivor's perspective. Learn how to manage stress in emergencies, navigate wildfire evacuation preparation, and build mental resilience during disasters. This video offers essential evacuation mental health tips and insights into dealing with anxiety and trauma from wildfires, providing support and guidance for surviving wildfires while protecting your mental health. Watch now to find stress management tools and strategies for mental health awareness during disasters.

For more stories about personal growth, mental health, and living with PTSD as well as learning how you can publish your turn and turn your trauma into a vehicle to help others, be sure to follow the podcast, and please, like, share and subscribe to the Unwritten Chapters Podcast.

Follow Me on Social Media or Send me a Message:

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenchapterspodcast/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570235138813

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Unwritten_Chapters_podcast

Purchase my Books Here:

· A Medic’s Mind: https://a.co/d/aV77MDd

· Woven in War: https://a.co/d/b3L147d

Episode Description:
In this deeply personal episode, I honor the 5th anniversary of my sister Lisa's passing with a heartfelt tribute. Through a story woven with love, reflection, and grief, I explore the unbreakable bond we shared and the lasting impact she has on my life.

Set to music, this episode is more than a remembrance—it’s a story of love, gratitude, and the lessons we learn through loss. I share moments from our relationship, my regrets, and my promise to carry her memory forward.

Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or simply wish to reflect on the preciousness of time and relationships, this story is for you.

What You'll Hear:

Episode Highlights:

Call to Action:
If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your stories of loss, love, or remembrance by reaching out on social media or via email. If someone you know could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Connect with Me:

Hashtags for Promotion:
#InHerMemory #GriefAndHealing #SiblingLove #PodcastTribute #LoveAndLoss #GratitudeInGrief

Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and reflective episode of Unwritten Chapters, host Matthew Heneghan challenges the all-too-common notion of “holiday stress.” Drawing from personal experience, Matthew shares how the holidays have evolved for him—from moments of loneliness and pressure to a season of joy, connection, and realistic expectations.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• Why “holiday” and “stress” don’t belong in the same sentence.
• Practical ways to reduce holiday stress and embrace imperfection.
• How to prioritize quality over quantity and say no without guilt.
• The transformative power of gratitude and carving out time for yourself.

Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, financial strain, or just trying to slow down during the festive season, this episode offers relatable stories and actionable tips to help you reclaim the magic of the holidays.

Key Takeaways:

1. Create a “Stop Doing” List

   • Identify holiday tasks or traditions that add unnecessary stress, and give yourself permission to let them go.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

   • Focus on meaningful moments and connections, rather than overwhelming yourself with endless parties or gifts.

3. Say No Without Guilt

   • Protect your peace by setting boundaries and choosing what feels right for you.

4. Practice Gratitude

   • Reflect daily on what you’re thankful for to shift your focus to what truly matters.

Memorable Quotes from the Episode:

• “The holidays aren’t about doing everything; they’re about doing what matters most.”
• “Perfection does not exist in any aspect of life—why should it have to exist during the holidays?”
• “A few missing pieces won’t ruin the bigger picture. The magic of the holidays rests in connection.”

Practical Tips Mentioned:

• Write a “Stop Doing” list to eliminate unnecessary stress.
• Embrace imperfection—holiday magic isn’t about perfection.
• Take time for yourself, whether it’s a walk, a cup of tea, or quiet reflection.
• Say no to obligations that drain you, and focus on meaningful moments instead.

Connect with Matthew:

• Instagram: @UnwrittenChaptersPodcast
• Instagram: @unwrittenchapterspodcast
• Website: www.amedicsmind.com

Listen and Subscribe:
🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you tune in.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and share it with someone who might need a little less stress and a little more joy this holiday season.

#HolidayStress #MentalHealthPodcast #SelfCare #FestiveSeasonWellBeing #UnwrittenChaptersPodcast

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and reflective episode of Unwritten Chapters, host Matthew Heneghan challenges the all-too-common notion of “holiday stress.” Drawing from personal experience, Matthew shares how the holidays have evolved for him—from moments of loneliness and pressure to a season of joy, connection, and realistic expectations.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• Why “holiday” and “stress” don’t belong in the same sentence.
• Practical ways to reduce holiday stress and embrace imperfection.
• How to prioritize quality over quantity and say no without guilt.
• The transformative power of gratitude and carving out time for yourself.

Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, financial strain, or just trying to slow down during the festive season, this episode offers relatable stories and actionable tips to help you reclaim the magic of the holidays.

Key Takeaways:

1. Create a “Stop Doing” List

   • Identify holiday tasks or traditions that add unnecessary stress, and give yourself permission to let them go.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

   • Focus on meaningful moments and connections, rather than overwhelming yourself with endless parties or gifts.

3. Say No Without Guilt

   • Protect your peace by setting boundaries and choosing what feels right for you.

4. Practice Gratitude

   • Reflect daily on what you’re thankful for to shift your focus to what truly matters.

Memorable Quotes from the Episode:

• “The holidays aren’t about doing everything; they’re about doing what matters most.”
• “Perfection does not exist in any aspect of life—why should it have to exist during the holidays?”
• “A few missing pieces won’t ruin the bigger picture. The magic of the holidays rests in connection.”

Practical Tips Mentioned:

• Write a “Stop Doing” list to eliminate unnecessary stress.
• Embrace imperfection—holiday magic isn’t about perfection.
• Take time for yourself, whether it’s a walk, a cup of tea, or quiet reflection.
• Say no to obligations that drain you, and focus on meaningful moments instead.

Connect with Matthew:

• Instagram: ⁠@UnwrittenChaptersPodcast⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@unwrittenchapterspodcast⁠
• Website: ⁠www.amedicsmind.com⁠

Listen and Subscribe:🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you tune in.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and share it with someone who might need a little less stress and a little more joy this holiday season.

#HolidayStress #MentalHealthPodcast #SelfCare #FestiveSeasonWellBeing #UnwrittenChaptersPodcast

• 🎙️ "Why I Rebranded: A Story of Change, Growth, and New Beginnings"

• In this episode, award-winning author Matthew Heneghan shares why he turned the page on his podcast, rebranding it from A Medic’s Mind to Unwritten Chapters.

  If you’ve ever faced a moment where change was necessary for growth, this episode is for you.

  • Why the rebrand? Learn how the old title limited growth and why Unwritten Chapters speaks to life’s evolving journey.
  • Personal reflections: Matthew opens up about navigating PTSD, sobriety, and recovery since 2017.
  • What’s ahead: Future episodes will include raw storytelling, mental health discussions, and conversations with inspiring guests.

  ✨ Your story isn’t over—every unwritten chapter is a chance to heal and grow.

  🎧 Listen now and follow for more stories of hope, healing, and transformation.

• 
  

• About the Host:
  Matthew Heneghan is an award-winning author, former military medic, and civilian paramedic who was diagnosed with PTSD and depression in 2017. Through writing and storytelling, he has turned his personal struggles into inspiration, publishing two full-length books—one of which is housed in the National War Museum in Ottawa. Matthew’s work has been featured on CBC and CTV News.

  Connect with Matthew Heneghan:

  • Website: ww.amedicsmind.com
  • Instagram: @UnwrittenChaptersPodcast
  • Facebook: Unwritten Chapters Podcast
  • Twitter: @amedicsmind

  Listen and Subscribe:
  🎙️ Unwritten Chapters is available wherever you listen to podcasts:

  • Spotify
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Amazon Music

  🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

  Hashtags for SEO and Social Media
  #UnwrittenChaptersPodcast #PersonalGrowth #PodcastRebrand #MentalHealthPodcast #Resilience #HealingJourney #StorytellingPodcast #SelfImprovement #PTSDRecovery #LifeStories