Why do we feel guilty for resting?
My roommate loves to tell me that I take too many naps. I am the kind of person that can fall asleep anywhere — in the middle of the dining hall, in any moving vehicle and even at weddings. Although my body truly loves to rest, I often feel very guilty when I allow myself to do so.
After conducting some research, I learned that this experience is known as productivity guilt. In a capitalistic society, people are told that their value and success are derived from our ability to be productive. If I am not constantly working on completing my goals, I feel like I am failing as a human being.
As young adults, we are constantly told that we should now know how to perfectly balance all areas of our lives. However, constantly managing our homework assignments, social lives and jobs can leave us feeling burdened. In those moments, we should allow ourselves the freedom to rest.
It can be very difficult to unlink images of self-worth from what society believes productivity should be. If you are struggling with this, here are some tips that you can use:
1. Understand that comparison is the thief of joy.
My mother has been repeating this phrase to me for as long as I can remember. And as much as I hate to admit it, it’s definitely true. If you are someone who always finds a way to compare your own accomplishments with others, you will never truly end up satisfied. Remember that you are you and that the fact that you have limits does not mean you have lost your overall worth. Although it might not seem like it, know that every single person needs to take a break. If you are not resting properly, you will not be able to work at your full capacity.
2. Listen to what your body tells you.
As I mentioned earlier, your body was not meant to work 24/7. If you do not make the time to rest and recuperate, your mind and body will shut down on themselves. Please take the time to notice the clear signs that your body is giving you and rest whenever you need to. Do not push yourself to do any more than you are able.
3. Make time for what matters: you!
You need to remember that your body is not a machine. Do not treat yourself as though you are incapable of failure or occasional breakdowns. You should learn how to build resting time into your daily schedule. I recommend spending at least an hour every single day with yourself. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb so that you are not receiving any work notifications or texts from friends. You can use this time to read, draw, meditate or even watch your favorite television show.
4. Congratulate yourself for the tasks that you complete.
Please try not to forget all of the accomplishments that you have already made. Simply being alive can be a struggle in and of itself, so be proud of yourself for being here. If you want to remember all of the tasks that you have finished on a day-to-day basis, perhaps consider jotting them down in a journal. When you acknowledge your achievements, you are able to better appreciate your day-to-day life.
Photo by Darina Belonogova from Pexels
