With the end of the school year now on the horizon, I know that many families are looking ahead to their summer vacations. But I also know that being able to relax is hard for many people — especially in our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed, "always on" culture, where some may see taking a break as a sign of laziness.
A big part of this challenge comes from the idea that a vacation, or even rest in general, must be "earned." But rest is not a reward; it is essential to maintaining good performance over time.
If you exercise regularly, you know that your body sometimes needs a day off in order for your muscles to recuperate. If you never take a day off, you risk burning out. The same applies to taking breaks from work, school, and even our day-to-day lives.
The truth is, taking breaks is an essential part of productivity. Just like a machine can't run at full speed forever without eventually breaking down, neither can our bodies or our minds. And while a good night's rest is essential to recharging our energy for the next day, so is allowing ourselves to unplug from our usual responsibilities and giving ourselves the freedom of enjoying a relaxing break. This enables us to come back to our responsibilities with new energy, new ideas, and a renewed focus.
If you or your kids find it difficult to unplug and enjoy the downtime, consider taking up a hobby. This can provide you with new opportunities to learn and grow. Art, music, sports, hiking, cooking, crafts, and other experiences can offer new challenges that will keep your mind and body active without the pressure of expectations or deadlines. Plus, as you continue to improve at these activities, you'll be able to see the positive impact of investing in your downtime.
This past year has been unusually stressful, so I hope you can allow yourself to safely and responsibly enjoy your summer break. Besides, you never know what kinds of positive changes your new hobbies, new friends, and new ideas might lead to over time.