Mental Health Breaks are productive

In our fast paced society that glamorizes being “busy” and overworked, it can be easy to fall to the trap of feeling guilt and shame for not being productive to society’s standards. Week after week, we push ourselves to the limit to impress our bosses, friends or even ourselves as to our deadlines, and productivity. In this modern day, more work means more productivity and wealth. Whether we realize it or not, we size ourselves up and others as well. We judge others based on how productive we have been, how much wealth we’ve created and how this version of “success” feeds our ego.

The problem with chasing numbers, whether it’s a number in a bank account, a number on the scale, a number of likes or a big pay day, is that numbers are infinite. There will always be more money to be made, and there will always be someone greater and lesser than yourself. It can become a vicious cycle of creating more “needs”, overworking yourself and getting caught in the materialistic rat race that is life.

While I don’t believe dropping your 9-5 job and living a YOLO life is for everyone, it can be helpful to find a balance between a job that allows you sustain your lifestyle and allows you to have mental health breaks. The importance of breaks and vacations are extremely important for employees and bosses alike. Breaks allow people to refresh their mind from the stress and exhaustion of work. Studies show that people who are given breaks have higher job satisfaction and a better sense of well being.

Life is short. Stop feeling guilty about being on a mental health break or a vacation. Sometimes you just need a break to recharge. That being said, treat yourself. Go on that spa day, that vacation or staycation. Don’t feel bad about it . Life is a beautiful gift that is meant to be lived and enjoyed with the people you love.

“You weren’t put on this earth to make money, to pay bills and to lose weight” -unknown