Buzz
We’ve all come to understand by now that ‘work-life balance’ is more of a myth than reality. It never really existed, and especially now, amid a pandemic, the idea seems further out of reach. Do you remember the old saying 'work hard, play hard'? It was based on the notion that hard work would ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable break.
However, many have found themselves stuck in an endless cycle of working harder, with little to no time left for actual enjoyment, even during breaks or vacations. Our culture has conditioned us to prioritize productivity, making us feel guilty or uneasy when we engage in purely recreational activities.
In an article for Well+Good, Dr. Perpetua Neo, a clinical psychologist, offers a strategy designed to help us reprogram our work-obsessed brains, allowing for much-needed relaxation. Here’s what she suggests.
How to persuade yourself to embrace leisure time
Sure, you might ‘love’ your job, but ideally, you should have other passions as well. The truth is, you probably would love to indulge in some downtime—and may have even planned some for yourself in the past. But when it comes time to actually close your laptop and silence your phone, that persistent voice in your head reminding you that 'you should really be working' often takes over.
This is where Neo’s approach comes into play. She recognizes that while leisure is meant to offer a break from the hustle and bustle, simply enjoying that time is easier said than done for many. Per Neo:
Let’s begin with small steps, guiding them with a clear purpose or goal. What’s the benefit of this leisure activity? Perhaps it aligns with your health goals, or maybe you're exploring new locations to enhance your photography skills.
When you truly enjoy an activity and gain additional benefits from it, it becomes easier to prioritize that precious downtime.
The goal is to transition into more intense forms of leisure from here, but this perspective may still be useful for those who believe they must remain productive every minute of the day.
