Nicole Havelka (she/her)
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just-rest.bsky.social
Nicole Havelka (she/her)
@just-rest.bsky.social
120 followers 110 following 220 posts
Burnout recovery coach • yoga/meditation teacher • pop culture nerd fanning the flames of a liberating rest revolution.

Substack: defythetrend.substack.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
just-rest.bsky.social
Having the right support is amazing. Every time I've had a bit of a freak out like -- oh, wait, who's doing that? Alesia Galati and the Galati Media Team have had my back.

I can't wait to share the trailer of my Just Rest podcast episode on Dec. 18. Will you rate it and review it then?
Nicole smiling while holding her hands in prayer pose in front of her chest, indicating thanks.
December 4, 2025 at 1:34 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
Sleep deprived, having too many things on our plates, Alesia and I recorded the trailer to my new podcast, Just Rest. Riverside captured THIS photo of us. 😂

Trailer drops Dec. 18 🤩

Join my Substack: www.defythetrend.substack.com/

#JustRest #IndiePodcast #PodcastLaunch #ExcitedandTired #Squee
A weird screen shot of Alesia Galati on right guiding Nicole, eyes closed, hand over her mouth chosen by Riverside recording studio as a "good" photo to share. 😂
November 26, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
I used to believe giving my family a “good Christmas” meant spending more money. Turns out capitalism lied.

This week’s Subtack article digs into values-based budgeting and ditching the pressure to overspend.

📖 open.substack.com/pub/defythet...

#RestAsResistance #SlowHolidays #HolidayStressRelief
A graphic of a woman calmly reading a book in a cozy chair because she's keeping all the holiday trappings at bay.
November 19, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
🎂 Defy the Trend turns 7!
We’re in elementary school now — still learning, still coloring outside the lines.
No destination, just rest + growth. 💜

Check out what we're up to: www.defythetrend.com/

#DefyTheTrend #RestAsResistance
Nicole swinging happily on a swing in a park in the summer.
November 13, 2025 at 1:12 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
If you are a holiday overachiever like me, my Setting Holiday Boundaries mini course will help you design a season that actually feels like you.

Check it out: holiday-boundaries-course.teachery.co/holiday-boun...

#HolidayStressRelief #Boundaries #MindfulLiving #SelfCare
Nicole sitting happily next to a Christmas tree with a Santa hat on. She's happy because she's not over doing it during the holidays.
November 11, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
Gratitude isn’t polite — it’s radical rest.

This Saturday, I’m teaching a 90-min gratitude ritual — gentle yoga + meditation to melt scarcity thinking + remember that we’re already enough.

Join me → www.eventbrite.com/e/1871399519...

#GratitudePractice #RestIsResistance #YogaForAll #RadicalRest
Nicole in a very supported reclining heart-opener on many bolsters. It's called Zero gravity and it's divine.
November 6, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
One of the things I actually kinda like about being an entrepreneur is that you're constantly reinventing yourself and what you offer to meet the moment.

Here's what’s next in burnout recovery for me:

👉 www.defythetrend.com/community

#DefyTheTrend #RadicalRest #LastLaunch
Nicole happily swinging on a swingset on a warm summer day.
October 30, 2025 at 12:58 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
Things have evolved — for me and the people I serve. We need simpler, more sustainable ways to beat burnout. Duh.

Before we move into what’s next, here’s your last chance to join Defy the Trend + get the full burnout recovery library.

www.defythetrend.com/community

#BurnoutRecovery #RestRebellion
Nicole happily swinging on a swingset on a warm summer day.
October 30, 2025 at 11:22 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
🚀 Big news for Rest Rebels: this is the Last Launch of my burnout recovery community, Defy the Trend.
Get library access, new mini-courses, Calm Calendar Club + Rebellious Rest Roundtable.
👉 www.defythetrend.com/community

Watch the info session recording: youtu.be/fj7-Y-I-Lac

#RestRebellion
Nicole sitting in the grass in a sundress, smiling back at you.
October 30, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
My yoga practice has taught me to wobble and be OK with it.

Join me Oct 18 for Restorative Yoga for No Kings Protesters — a 90-min online recharge before hitting the streets.

🗓 9–10:30 a.m. ET | Online
👉 Event link: bit.ly/47eRbew

#NoKings #Resist #Restore #RestorativeYoga #RestisResistance
Nicole resting calmly in sideline child's pose.
October 16, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
Seeing @knoxcollege1837.bsky.social campus is always such a joyful combo of "Yay! This new __ is so cool." And "Remember when __." 💜

#KnoxProud
October 11, 2025 at 6:16 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
Balance is all about wobbling + finding your footing anyway.

Join me Oct 18 for Restorative Yoga for No Kings Protesters — a 90-min online recharge before hitting the streets.

🗓 9–10:30 a.m. ET | Online
👉 Event link: bit.ly/47eRbew

#NoKings #Resist #Restore #RestorativeYoga #RestandResist
Nicole resting very comfortably in sideline child's pose. Rest before you get ready to protest oct. 18.
October 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
Next week at about this time, I'll be celebrating my 30th Reunion at Knox College! 🤯

I look forward to looking at the newly renovated dorms in the Quad, singing The Knox Hymn and visiting The Knox Student office.

🎟️ www.knox.edu/alumni/homec...

#KnoxProud #Homecoming #Classof95 #AlmaMate
Class of '95 Rules! Reunion graphic.
October 4, 2025 at 3:09 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
I’ve been sitting for a four-month old kitten this weekend.

Be the kitten:

Play hard. 🐈‍⬛

Nap harder. 😴

Do new things and fail. 📉

Sit and watch the birds. 🐦

Let’s be the kitten. 🐈‍⬛

#BetheKitten #SoCute #SoNaughty
Nicole holding a 4-month-old black short haired kitten who is being so cute and naughty.
September 29, 2025 at 2:05 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
I'll be honest that the news of censorship this week scares me, but also strengthens my resolve to remain a small, independent, anti-fascist, anti-racist, anti-toxic capitalist writer and soon-to-be podcaster.

Will you help me launch my pod?

👉 square.link/u/KGslefhX

#JustRest #Antifascism
Sitting in a mic, sharing my radical voice, just where I should be.
September 19, 2025 at 11:22 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
💥 5 days left. $2,856 raised. $794 to go for the full $1,000 match.

This isn’t just a podcast — it’s about reclaiming rest as resistance and fueling joy in the fight against fascism. Watch the update + back Just Rest: defythtrend.com/podcast

#JustRestPodcast #RestIsResistance
September 8, 2025 at 11:01 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
🌟 Big Opportunity 🌟

Wanna give to the Just Rest podcast effort?

Starting NOW your gift is doubled by a I have a generous matching gift I have only through Monday.

Pic of me holding a super cute lamb for the algorithm.

#Podcasting #JustRest #Crowdfunding

Support the Pod: bit.ly/3J7IsBd
Nicole holding a lamb when they were just a few days old. That was a great time of rest at my friend's farm this spring!
September 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
10 days left. Just under $10K to raise for the Just Rest podcast crowdfunding campaign.

This campaign is about more than funding — it’s about connection and the radical power of rest.

Let’s launch this pod together. 💜

👉 www.defythetrend.com/podcast

#JustRestPodcast #RestIsRadical #Crowdfunding
September 2, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
I’m angry. 💥 That’s the real reason I’m launching Just Rest. On Labor Day—a holiday born from worker uprisings—I’m sharing why justice + rest belong together. Watch the video + help fund the podcast (less than 2 weeks left!).

🔗 www.defythetrend.com/podcast
September 1, 2025 at 4:38 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
The universe gave me another opportunity to teach yoga in the park with the Urbana Park District! This will be a gently flowing, deeply restful practice in beautiful surroundings.

Join me tomorrow. FREE. No RSVP.

#yogaandmeditation #Relax #Renew #easefulsummer
Me in a selfie in one of my favorite wooded areas in Meadowbrook Park in Champaign-Urbana.
August 29, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
Libraries are amazing, y'all! 📖 ✨

The Champaign Public Library has these podcasting booths! I can't wait to use them!

🚀 Help me launch the pod: www.defythetrend.com/podcast

#LocalLibraries #Podcasting #Crowdfunding #BurnoutRecovery
The amazing soundproofed booth with chairs, computer, microphone surrounded by the soft soundproofed walls. I can't wait to use this space to do some recording and editing of the pod!
August 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
Two weeks in → 20 supporters → 20% toward the goal! 🎉

Now comes the messy middle of crowdfunding — steady support makes all the difference.

Today’s a great day to give. ($250 level includes free 1:1 coaching session 💜)

👉 www.defythetrend.com/podcast

#RestAsResistance #BurnoutRecovery #Podcast
August 25, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
Restorative yoga and meditation has been one of the most important tools for recovering from and preventing burnout in my own life and for my clients. Period.

Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8am CT / 9am ET, I’m leading an online Rest as Resistance Restorative Yoga.

Register: 🧘🏽‍♂️ bit.ly/47379ZH
Nicole blissed out, laying on her side, propped by lots of blankets, bolsters and pillows. You can be this relaxed, too, on Saturday, Aug. 23.
August 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
just-rest.bsky.social
Week 1 update: We’re already 15% toward the goal for Just Rest Podcast! 🎉

This week: a $500 matching gift doubles every contribution. 🕛

Rest is resistance. Want to help fuel this indie podcast.

🔗 defythetrend.com/podcast

#JustRestPodcast #Crowdfunding #RestIsResistance #BurnoutRecovery
August 18, 2025 at 4:37 AM
just-rest.bsky.social
Yesterday I did something radical during a crowdfunding campaign: I turned off my screens. ✨

Because here’s the truth: if I’m out here inviting you to Just Rest, I have to live it too.

Together we can make rest a movement.

🔗 bit.ly/3J7IsBd

#RestIsResistance #JustRestPodcast #BurnoutRecovery
Reading a book with my favorite pastry = good rest.
August 18, 2025 at 12:37 AM