Feeling Guilty After Relaxing? You Have Got Rest-Guilt

Since childhood, we have been fed that "success is achieved only if you work hard consistently." Stories of the Ant and the Grasshopper, Crow and the Pitcher lauded hard work, inscribed in our minds forever. And, when we graduated from college, our employers preached the same mantra- Work hard and you shall achieve success. Yes, hard work is commendable. But we need to appreciate the significance of resting. We are so driven to achieve our goals, that if we ever rest, we suffer from post-rest guilt. This leaves us in a perpetual state of stress. Why so?

As mentioned before, our culture's focus on diligence and continuous productivity is a major cause of rest-guilt. It is a widely held idea in many cultures, especially Western nations, that success and contentment can only be attained by hard effort. In countries like Japan, China and India too, the case is the same. According to the "Protestant work ethic," which was first proposed by sociologist Max Weber, characteristics like diligence, self-control, and thrift are what contribute to success and moral value. This widespread belief in contemporary culture frequently associates relaxation with sloth or moral failings.

Now, let us talk about the conspicuous expectations of the Society:

According to psychologist Leon Festinger's social comparison theory, people evaluate their own social and personal values by comparing themselves to other people. In the era of social media, when individuals constantly share updates about their lives and accomplishments, it may be simple to feel unworthy of a break. People who witness their friends working and succeeding nonstop may come to feel that they should also be productive all the time and experience guilt if they are not.

Psychologically speaking, internalizing society's values is connected to rest-guilt. According to the cognitive dissonance theory, which was developed by psychologist Leon Festinger, people feel uncomfortable when they act in a way that goes against their values or beliefs. Taking time to unwind might lead to feelings of guilt if someone has internalized the idea that work equals value. This is because relaxing conflicts with the assumption that one must be productive.

Perfectionism also has a significant impact. Perfectionists frequently hold themselves to absurdly high standards and feel bad when they don't think they are living up to them. As a result, taking a nap is associated with guilt since it is perceived as a failure to meet obligations and aspirations.

What happens when we face Rest-Guilt?

There are extensive repercussions from rest-guilt. Persistent guilt over taking time off can result in burnout, worsening mental health, and a general decline in well-being. Research that was published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology indicates that stress, exhaustion, and job dissatisfaction are more common among workers who do not take enough breaks and time off. Furthermore, as sleep is essential for mental clarity and cognitive function, the continual pressure to be productive might hinder creativity and problem-solving skills.

Ways to Overcome it

One must change their mindset and behaviors to overcome rest-guilt. Redefining sleep as productive involves recognizing that getting enough sleep is necessary to sustain high levels of concentration, creativity, and productivity. Fighting internalized beliefs entails acknowledging that rest is a basic human need as well as confronting societal norms and personal beliefs that link self-worth with continuous productivity. Setting up boundaries between work and play is also essential; this entails setting up certain periods for rest and giving these obligations the same weight as any other duty. Additionally, acknowledging that relaxation is a normal and essential aspect of life is facilitated by practising self-compassion by treating oneself with care and understanding, much as one would treat a friend.