Rest when you’re tired, don’t force yourself: The art of ‘not being good all the time’
‘You have to be good, you have to be successful, you have to work efficiently all the time.’
Ever feel overwhelmed by the feeds of so many talented people in society trying to motivate you in this way? But chasing these expectations without pause can actually be a faster path to burnout than you might think. According to a study by The American Psychological Association, people who get enough rest and time for themselves are more productive and creative than those who work long hours.
When we accept that ‘we don’t have to be great all the time’, our bodies release hormones that reduce stress and lower blood pressure, and our immune systems function better. Importantly, taking a break is not a failure, but an important strategy for taking care of ourselves so that we can travel further.
What we want to tell everyone who is tired from trying to be a good person is, “It’s okay if you can’t do it today. Be kind to yourself first and then keep going. What’s important now is whether we are happy along the way of trying. Don’t forget that the เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา value that is higher than being a successful good person is that our physical and mental health must not collapse before reaching that goal.”
Instilling the idea that people in this era ‘must be good all the time’ not only makes us tired, but also affects our physical and mental health in the long run. When we question the value-added belief that ‘the busier the more valuable’, we will begin to see new options for living a more balanced and happier life.
According to a Talkspace article, the negative impact of the Hustle culture, which extols exhaustion from hard work as a measure of success, has led to millennials experiencing burnout 40% faster than previous generations. Working hard without resting is not hard work, but rather slow-burning and may not lead to sustainable success.
The art of accepting the ordinary and resting
- Dare to say, “I can’t do it today.” True courage is not about forcing yourself to do everything until you succeed, but about being able to recognize your own limits and dare to say, “Enough!” when your body and mind need a rest. Listening to your body’s warning voice is a sign of deep self-understanding, not weakness.
- Redefining the word ‘smart’ Ask yourself what does ‘smart’ mean to you? If the definition focuses on achievements, success, or the opinions of others, it may be time to reconsider. A truly smart person is someone who knows how to take care of themselves, knows when to walk, when to run, and when to take a break.
- Listen to yourself, not society. Ask yourself if what you are doing is because you want to do it, or because you are afraid of not being good enough. What are you chasing, and does it really mean something to you? Sometimes we find that we spend a lot of our energy on expectations that are not ours.
How to Rest Energically
Resting is not laziness, but a necessary way to recharge. It is like refueling a car that has traveled a long distance. No car can run without refueling, so our bodies and minds cannot work endlessly.
Easy ways to get quality rest
- Taking a walk in nature, even for 20 minutes, can reduce stress hormones by up to 30%.
- Turn off notifications and social media for at least 1-2 hours a day to give your brain a break.
- Do activities that don’t require much thought, such as drawing, coloring, cooking, listening to music, or doing handicrafts.
- Sit still and do nothing for just 10 minutes. Try to observe your breathing and the feelings that arise.
- Get enough sleep. The best rest is quality sleep.
Accepting that we don’t have to be great all the time isn’t about giving up, but about choosing to love ourselves more. When we learn to take a break, we find that we have the energy to keep going, and more importantly, the journey will be happier.
We want to tell our readers that our worth is not determined by how much work we do, but by how much we enjoy life. You have the right to choose, and taking a break when needed may be the smartest decision you make for yourself.