The Stress of Productivity

Most people experience some sort of anxiety when they are on holiday. We are so used to working non-stop, it feels you are doing something wrong if you are not busy. Sometimes even with the hobbies you are doing, if you postpone them it feels bad. The stress of productivity is something that every modern human feels at least once in their lives.

I have some anxiety issues in general. When on holiday feeling extra stress from not working makes the holiday tiring instead of relaxing. The entire point of free time, or holidays is to rest and recharge. What to do then?

The power of talking to yourself!

I talk to myself sometimes and it helps me calm my crazy brain. I also realized if I tell myself the purpose of my holiday it helps. “I am here to relax and feel better” “I am not doing anything wrong this is also important”. It helps me realize the negative pattern I am in. Of course this does not always work. If you cannot control your anxiety, you should talk to someone professional. It does help.

Try seeing rest as an active ingredient in your future productivity — not a break from it, but a crucial part of it. Burnout happens when we treat rest as optional. “Rest is not the opposite of work; it’s part of the work cycle.”

Reading for pleasure, taking long walks, or even boredom — these can fuel creativity and insight, even if they don’t yield immediate results.

Ask yourself: “What would I say to a friend who felt guilty for relaxing?” Chances are, you’d encourage them to rest. Treat yourself with that same compassion.