Allow Yourself to Take Breaks

The fast-paced nature of modern life has become a defining characteristic of our existence. The relentless push for productivity, the constant barrage of digital notifications, and the societal expectation to always be "on" have woven a complex tapestry of stress and exhaustion that drapes heavily over our collective well-being. While offering unprecedented connectivity and access to information, the digital age has also blurred the lines between work and rest, making it increasingly difficult to disconnect, slow down, and truly relax. This constant rush not only strains our mental health but also takes a toll on our physical well-being, manifesting in sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, and a host of stress-related ailments. I decided that this winter, we, as a family, will return to the long-forgotten wisdom of staying in bed, drinking hot fluids, and getting lots of sleep whenever a cold or flu pokes its horrible head out. I mentioned this the other day while drinking coffee with a friend. I was amused by the shock and horror on her face when she realized that this would mean that my children might lose some days of school. They will be gaining an opportunity for their bodies to utilize their natural immune system, supported by lots of sleep and fluids to fight the bugs effectively.

Against this backdrop, the thesis of our discussion emerges with clarity and urgency: Embracing leisure and free time is not a mere luxury reserved for the few; it is a fundamental necessity for our mental and physical health. This argument is rooted in a holistic understanding of well-being, recognizing that humans are not machines designed for endless output but complex beings who require balance, rest, and moments of unstructured time to thrive. In my latest book, Happy and Home Free, I investigate the benefits of utilizing the research done in the Blue Zones, where many people reach the age of 100 while still being active members of their communities. These communities believe that daily low-impact activities like squatting while gardening, taking leisurely walks with friends or family, and standing many hours preparing food from scratch for your loved ones all form part of the reality that engaging with your surroundings and the community keeps you healthy.

The necessity of leisure and free time transcends the simple need to rest after work. It encompasses the need for spaces where imagination can roam freely, daydream without purpose, rest without guilt, sleep without anxiety, and share stories with our kin. In these moments of unbridled leisure, we find room to sing and laugh, to live without a ticking clock dictating our every move. Historically, many cultures have understood and honored the value of such time, integrating it into the very fabric of their societies. Yet, in today's productivity-obsessed world, these moments are often dismissed as wasted time, a luxury that cannot be afforded in the race to stay ahead. I find it ironic that the time spent scrolling on social media (an activity proven to contribute to depression in teenagers) is often overlooked as a tremendous time waster. This time can efficiently be invested in your own life, hobbies, and activities rather than aimlessly staring at an altered and filtered reality created by someone else.

Science and psychology tell us that the health of our minds and bodies intensely depends on having the freedom to relax and engage in activities without a direct productivity purpose. The ability to come to rest also benefits our health and the body's ability to heal. In seemingly purposeless moments, our brains process and synthesize information, creativity flourishes, and we reconnect with our deeper selves and those around us. This in itself is an excellent way of boosting natural immunity and well-being. Leisure and free time are not just pauses in our productive lives but are integral to our capacity for innovation, empathy, resilience, and a meaningful life.

Thus, embracing leisure and free time is a call to action for a societal shift in how we value and structure our lives. It is an invitation to step back from the brink of burnout and to reorient our priorities towards a more balanced, fulfilling existence. By recognizing leisure and free time as essential components of health, we can dismantle the stigma around rest, advocate for policies and practices that promote work-life balance, and collectively forge a path to a more mindful, present, and healthy society. I cannot encourage you enough to take that first tentative step. Bake a batch of bran muffins and bring it to a friend instead of meeting them in a coffee shop. Enjoy spending time sipping a cup of tea with your grandmother or sister. Ask them about their day and reminisce about your childhood. One of the best ways of becoming a storyteller is by listening to the stories of previous generations. The ability to listen to and tell our own stories is a dying art and an essential part of who we are as individuals and as communities. Just take a break!