Tired of Being Tired: Receive God's Realistic Rest for Your Soul-Deep Exhaustion

by Jess Connolly

If you're a woman, chances are you know the You start the day already exhausted and end it defeated, all the while telling yourself things will get better if you can just power through this week. But then the weeks turn into months, and you start to believe you'll never be able to stop, slow down, or catch your breath. You wouldn't even know how if you tried. And yet God has made you for a life of abundance, not a life of exhaustion. It's time to quit the unsustainable pace and receive God's gift of realistic rest.

With relatable stories and eye-opening insights, bestselling author and speaker Jess Connolly offers good news to soul-weary There is a better way, and it is yours for the taking. She shows you

· how to find the source of your fatigue
· scripts for saying no and strategies for protecting your peace
· practices for bringing realistic rest into your daily and weekly rhythms

You can break the cycle of living like you're constantly on the hook and come to Jesus to find rest for your weary and burdened soul. This book will show you how to find new rhythms so that you can experience the abundant life God intended for you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Self Help, Christianity, Audiobook, Christian Living

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Jess Connolly is a gal who is in the thick of it herself. She is the founder of the Naptime Diaries print shop, co-founder of the Influence Conference + Network, and she is passionate about using her words to point women to Jesus through writing and speaking. She and her husband planted a church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. Blog: www.jessconnolly.com

Reviews

[Isaac Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife was able to get an advanced copy of this book and as soon as I saw it, I knew I needed to read it. Is it written for a female audience? Sure. But I found myself resonating with so much, especially as a pastor. It was so helpful and life giving. And there are also pieces that are unique to ladies that gave me great insights as a ministry leader. This book is so personal, relevant, and an incredible resource.

[Alyssa Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part about this book is what’s listed in the subtitle- it offers readers an invitation to REALISTIC rest. Jess does an incredible job explaining why we’re tired, the different types of exhaustion we face (physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional), and practical tools for each.

Now that I’ve read through the book, I plan to go back through and answer the reflection questions and choose a few practices to add into my life. A lot of books on rest add burdens, making you feel like you have more to do, but “Tired of Being Tired” doesn’t do that. It offers a better, more wholistic way of living that feels like a trade-up rather than a beat-down. I wish I’d had the chapters on spiritual exhaustion when I was a missionary struggling with burnout.

This will be one of my go-to gifting books this year!

Also I switched off between the physical book and audio and can wholeheartedly recommend both.

[Xan Sibley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most practically encouraging books I’ve read in a long time. A lot of books challenge me to think about things differently, but in the single week I have been reading this, I’ve already found myself *doing* things differently (as a result of first thinking differently). If you struggle with the feeling of needing to do all the things and bein real tired from it, highly recommend.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the pre-order for this book I snatched it up and then got to join the launch team. Just reading the description and first few chapters had me tearing up, feeling so seen and known. Are you also tired of being tired? Have you given up hope it's ever going to get better? Jess is offering some real hope, perspective, strategies and encouragement for us and I'm highlighting like a mad woman. I think you're going to like this one. Such good content and questions for reflection and discussion. Read it and let's talk!

[Sarah Kruzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know at first if this would be for me. I am not a mom, a business leader or any of the “qualifications” that women seem to wear as badges to make up for their tiredness. I quickly found out that this book was for me in every way. Every woman I know is tired and working hard to “keep up.” Jess doesn’t tell us to go on a spiritual retreat, or to quit all our responsibilities. She does however, with grace baked into every page, help us identify why we are tired and how to realistically rest in the midst of that cause. Rest is biblical and this book was a permission slip to start changing culture around me for how I talk about rest, feeling tired, and how to work from rest not rest from work. Highly recommend for any Christian woman in my life!

[Abby Voss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this over the course of a few weeks at 1x speed if you can believe it. Honestly enjoyed having Jess herself speak over me (some people just have a great voice for it, ya know?), but if I were to read it again, I’d want the physical copy. Jess covered just about every area of fatigue with lots of insight, anecdotes (she did this well!), practical applications, reflection questions, and scripture so, naturally, I’m bummed that I don’t have it all written down in front of me. Regardless, I’m thankful for the reminder that I’ll never escape certain levels of fatigue that come with a broken world, but that HE gives rest to those he loves!

[Emily (emsalwaysreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So full of such practical wisdom and insight about all forms of exhaustion: physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental. This is tied as my favorite book of hers with Breaking Free From Body Shame. I recommend to all women.

[Jenna Duvall]

You all know I’m a big fan of Jess Connolly’s writing ❤️ I loved this book and it goes so well with me rereading Boundaries in this new season

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan. This book was more exhausting to read than it was helpful for exhaustion. The narrator was simply too much and her constant personal stories were just not necessary. Felt more like an autobiography of her than a resource. I skipped the last 8 pages just because I couldn’t imagine reading anymore. There are so many other books better written and geared more towards helping women than this one.

[Mel Furniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one I’d love to re-read immediately, this time with my journal in hand to take as many practical notes as possible. So good, Jess!

[Hannah Spragins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It helped me think through rhythms and how rest is so important and necessary.

[Madeline Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Am I living like God gives rest to those He loves? Am I receiving what God has for me rather than sleepwalking spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally?” We were made for a life of abundance not exhaustion.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. The thoughtfulness, practical ideas and gentle + compassionate nature of the way it is written is so helpful. Highly recommend!

[Tori Riches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing the journey of learning to make margin, say no, find rest, and stop rushing.

[Emily Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful to have received an advanced reading copy! This book is much-needed in our culture, focusing on physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental exhaustion, and what we can do about it. It’s Grace-filled, practical, relatable regardless of life stage, and challenging. Though it’s geared more toward women, I hope to share this with men in my life as well, and can’t wait until it releases for the public so I can share and discuss with friends and church family.

[Amy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I’ve needed! I’ve had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of the book, and it’s been so life-giving. If you ever find yourself saying “I’m so tired” or something like it, this book is for you. The find your fatigue quiz is insightful and the tips and suggestions are very helpful. This book goes deep, and yet it’s so practical and accessible.

[Kayla Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a favorite book of hers. I was skeptical of it because I thought that surely there is no way I can get any help with my exhaustion, but this book empathizes while also pushing you to make necessary changes. She writes from a place of humility with her experience. Highly recommend!!

[Abby Kallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I needed right now. Totally recommend if you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion. God gives us rest, so let’s accept it and rest with Him!!!

[Cassidy Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful to have received an advance copy of this book. I was desperate for the message and looking for help to find, real sustainable rest in the midst of my busy life. So often I feel like the advice out there for women who are overwhelmed and exhausted is “find something to quit”, but what happens when there’s legitimately nothing that can be removed from your plate in this season? Tired of Being Tired is so practical and so encouraging. Jess is the best coach and I truly felt like she was cheering me on while reading this book. Identifying the different types of fatigue and the practical solutions for each type is a game changer. This book is a must read for every woman!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a copy of this book to hug and highlight (but I am very thankful for the library copy I got to read). I felt like this book was written just for me, and for once by a woman I really related to on so many levels. I almost cried when she described how unmarried wemon could be tierd to. Do you know how rare that is?? I can't even remember the last non-fiction book that even acknowledged that single girls exist, much less struggle with real problems.
I loved this whole thing, and it gave me some real tools on how to fight some problems I had been having. I will definitely be re-reading it in future.

[Anna Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will most likely read this book over and over - there’s insight for different seasons of life and really thoughtful questions to do deep, internal work. LOVED this book and feel encouraged and challenged in the way I operate mentally, physically, emotionally on a day to day basis! Wish I could give it 10 stars 😉

[Tina Mullener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent way too many years of my life being tired. As someone who grew up with a “work first, rest last” approach to life, I have been very humbled by the realization that I am now fighting burnout because I never learned to rest well! I enjoyed Jess Connolly discussion on why we live like this and how we can choose a different way. I will read this book again and have already shared with other who I know fight the busyness trap that is so common.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Ashley Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever finished a book and felt like you could breathe deeper after it? That’s what this book was like. I’d encourage any of my friends to read it, and let’s chat about it together after. 🤍

[Anna Kate Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many tears, y’all should read this book

[Leyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess has done it again!!!! Listened to the audiobook and am now going back through my paperback to underline, highlight, and process all this amazing wisdom. It's so clear she works and writes through plurality. Breaking Free From Body Shame genuinely changed my life, and I had similar feelings through out this book. Thank you Jess! The Spirit is alive and active, and your story and vulnerability is so encouraging and relatable.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read/listen. Honest and pastoral. I appreciated the quiz in chapter 4 that helps you figure out what kind of exhausted you are (spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional).

[Amy Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, I would recommend reading and or listening to this book! I listened to the audiobook and now I want to get a copy of the physical book, so that I can re-read it and highlight all of the things!

[Peyton Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 - a great reminder of the importance of resting, and that we were not made to say yes 24/7. obviously some rhythms she suggested may not be applicable to everyone, but a very helpful reminder.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read at the beginning of the new year!
I appreciated the biblical perspective on rest and prioritizing what is important in life! 💕

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so crazy to look back and see that this book took me almost a year to read! But this was definitely the kind of book where it benefits you to go slow because Jess Connolly PACKS this book with so many amazing actionable insights and prompts to meditate on.