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In today’s fast-paced world, productivity is often linked to the sheer amount of time we dedicate to work, with many of us racing to outpace our peers in burnout. The notion of being busy is frequently viewed as a badge of honor, and the scarcity of free time is considered a status symbol. The traditional 9-to-5 workday has blurred, as we now find ourselves tethered to our jobs around the clock, convincing ourselves that sending an email at midnight will somehow alleviate our stress for the next day. However, this rarely proves effective. We become trapped in a relentless cycle of work, stress, and self-worth tied to our earnings and job titles.
The pandemic has intensified this anxiety, forcing us to juggle work commitments with family responsibilities. Many of us are struggling to maintain a semblance of balance and yearn for moments of solitude and relaxation. Unfortunately, when we finally manage to take a break or schedule some leisure time, we often find it challenging to fully enjoy it.
This difficulty stems from our perception of self-care and downtime. Often, guilt creeps in, leading us to miss opportunities for much-needed rest and rejuvenation. Research indicates that in 2018, about 55% of employees did not fully utilize their vacation time. It’s crucial for individuals to discover what helps them unwind, but prioritizing mental and physical well-being is essential for everyone. Personally, I took time to release the ‘shoulds’ that were holding me back from prioritizing my self-care.
Taking time away from work for exercise, therapy, or socializing may seem frivolous compared to the tasks I think I ought to tackle. Yet, engaging in these activities often leaves me feeling more relaxed and fulfilled. This mindset can also extend to afternoons off or the third day of a week-long vacation, where downtime becomes just another task to manage.
I recognize that I’m not alone in this struggle. Research by Amelia Grant and Ben Turner illustrates that people often chase “collectable experiences” during their leisure time, inadvertently viewing downtime as an opportunity to be productive rather than simply relishing the moment. Personally, I tend to see downtime as something to be utilized rather than enjoyed.
While planning exciting adventures can lead to memorable experiences, it can also create stress—ironically, the very thing we often seek to escape. As economist Daniel Hamermesh states in his book, Spending Time: The Most Valuable Resource, “Our ability to purchase and enjoy goods and services has risen much more rapidly than the amount of time available for us to enjoy them.”
Americans typically receive the least paid time off globally, leading to a desire to maximize every moment during vacations, which can result in anxiety and fear of missing out. Additionally, comparing our downtime to others’ social media portrayals can exacerbate this issue.
For some, taking time off can be more stressful than sticking to a daily routine. I’ve experienced this myself; I thrive on structure and dislike the overwhelming task list that awaits my return after any break. However, over the years, I’ve begun to appreciate downtime as an essential component of achieving my goals rather than a distraction from them.
Studies reveal that viewing idle time as wasteful correlates with heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. If work is meant to enhance our lives, how can it be fulfilling if we feel negative about other aspects of our lives? How can we be productive if we overlook the importance of enjoyment and self-care?
To combat this mindset, experts suggest practicing mindfulness and anticipating long-term regrets, which can help us savor the present. Finding a “functional alibi” or a good reason to indulge in leisure without guilt can also provide the necessary permission to relax. If a week-long vacation is unattainable, consider setting aside a portion of each day for activities that bring joy. Every moment doesn’t need to bear the weight of purpose or urgency.
This adjustment may require mental effort to fully appreciate a few hours of relaxation or a long weekend away, but with practice and a commitment to valuing downtime, we can start to honor all our time—not just the hours spent working.
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