The Importance of Guilt-Free Relaxation This Holiday Season for Your Mental Health
Guilt-Free Relaxation
In a world where most of us are expected to maintain high job performance, many people find it difficult to switch off during the holidays especially if they work in toxic environments. If your workplace has conditioned you to feel guilty about taking a break or even pressured you to work during your leave, this article is here to remind you: you deserve guilt-free relaxation, and your mental health depends on it. Do not become bullied into neglecting your mental health needs.
Why Guilt-Free Relaxation Is Essential
Relaxation isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. Chronic stress, often exacerbated by toxic workplace environments, leads to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health issues. Guilt-free relaxation allows your body and mind to recover, improving your overall well-being and productivity when you return to work. This means becoming comfortable to not check your work email or phone during your leave. I have noticed in my practice that unfortunately this is exceptionally hard for many of my clients to do.
Taking time off is your right. South Africa’s labor laws protect your leave days, and no employer is justified to threaten your job security because you choose to rest. It is not a symptom of poor commitment, but rather a healthy worker.
Breaking Free From Toxic Work Environments
Toxic workplaces often create a culture of fear and overdependence. You may feel obligated to check emails or respond to work requests even during your break. But boundaries are critical. Use your leave as a time to detach and focus on yourself, your loved ones, and the things that truly matter.
Here are some tips to reclaim your time:
Set clear boundaries: Inform your employer and colleagues that you will not be available during your leave. Do so respectfully yet clearly.
Turn off work notifications: Physically removing access to work-related messages can help reduce anxiety.
Remind yourself of your rights: Your leave is legally protected; use it fully and guilt-free.
Commit to your boundaries: Do not engage with any workplace communication during the holidays.
Productive Ways to Use Your Free Time
While relaxation is essential, how you spend your free time can impact your mental health. Avoid toxic habits like doomscrolling (unhealthy and excessive social media consumption and engagement), which can leave you feeling drained and anxious despite short-term enjoyment. Instead, try these productive and restorative activities:
Reflection and journaling: Take time to process the events of the year. Reflect on what went well, lessons you have learned, and your goals for the year ahead.
Quality time With Family: Reconnect with loved ones through communication and enjoyable activities. This could be a shared meal, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Pursue Hobbies or Interests: Enjoy hobbies that you have set aside, whether it is painting, reading, gardening, or trying out new recipes. Use your time to reconnect with your interests and passions while avoiding filling up your time entirely.
Physical Activities: Exercise, yoga, or walks/hikes in nature can rejuvenate your body and mind.
Digital Detox: Reduce screen time to reconnect with the present moment and avoid the stress of constant notifications.
The Gift of Rest: Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty
Guilt often arises from the false belief that rest is unproductive. But true productivity requires balance. Imagine trying to drive a car without refueling—it cannot work. Similarly, rest fuels your ability to function and thrive in all areas of your life. A good employer understands this and promotes a work environment where their employees are able to recharge away from the demands of the workplace. Although some workplaces put unnecessary pressure on their employees, as I have seen in working with my clients, this is not healthy or ethical.
Allowing yourself guilt-free relaxation is a form of self-compassion and resistance against the toxic norms of our busy culture. It is also an opportunity to model healthy behavior for those around you, especially younger family members who may look up to you.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of resting and recharging without guilt. Disconnect from workplace demands and connect with yourself and your loved ones. By embracing guilt-free relaxation, you’re prioritizing your mental health and setting the stage for a healthier, more balanced year ahead.
If you’re struggling to establish boundaries or deal with toxic workplace stress, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.
At Brandon Kayat Psychology, I am here to help you find ways to reclaim your well-being if needed. Some clients in my practice have struggled to attain this concept as they have never been allowed to practice it due to unhealthy workplace environments.
Start your journey to guilt-free relaxation today—it’s your right and your need.
