For people who think "rest = slacking"
Sometimes taking a break just feels like slacking off, leaving you uneasy. Especially for those who have always worked diligently, this feeling can be strong.
On the other hand, the idea of just lazing around feels uncomfortable. Imagine lying on the couch, scrolling your phone all day, and feeling, "Ah, I'm falling into idleness..." — guilt creeps in.
So what can we do?
Change Your Perspective
Here’s a mindset shift: consider a day off not as slacking or laziness, but as a "shelf-clearing day for the burdens you carry".
A Day Off as Shelf-Clearing
Every day, we carry a lot — work stress, household responsibilities, and complex relationships. If we continue without unloading this baggage, we may eventually collapse.
That’s why a day off exists: to organize and relieve the load.
- Loosen up your body
- Write down the worries on your mind
- Tidy up your living space
These tasks are just as important as resting.
The Metaphor of Mopping
For example, imagine the thin layer of dust that accumulates in the corners of your room. Ignoring it will only let it pile up further.
When you wring out a mop and kneel to clean the floor, you may think, "Wow, it was this dirty?"
Your body and mind work the same way. Fatigue that can only be wiped away through rest quietly accumulates over time.
Allowable Ways to Rest for Diligent People
Even if you think "resting is slacking," reframing it as "shelf-clearing" or "cleaning" makes it easier to accept.
In fact, taking breaks is vital maintenance for your future self. It is by no means laziness.
So next time, try resting as if you were mopping your floors. Your mind and body will surely feel lighter.
— That said, the reason why it's hard to rest varies from person to person:
- Is your workload heavy?
- Are you concerned about others?
- Or do you just feel uneasy for no particular reason?
How about you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
日本語版note：休むのが下手なあなたへ。サボりじゃなくて”棚おろしの日”です
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