Modern life has a way of making rest feel suspicious. You can be exhausted, finally take a break, and still hear that nagging voice that you should be doing something more. Somewhere along the line, downtime stopped being a basic need and started feeling like something you have to justify, like a sign you’re falling behind, letting people down, or not trying hard enough.

In this episode, we’re getting into the psychology behind rest guilt - why busyness has become a kind of social currency, how work and visibility have blurred the line between ‘off’ and ‘on’, and why so many of us struggle to switch off even when we desperately need to.

We explore:

• How busyness became social currency
• Historical and social origins of why rest feels so hard
• How LinkedIn and social media impact comparison and urgency
• The beliefs that keep us from resting
• Why ‘time off’ isn’t always restorative
• How rest can be the most productive thing you do
• Practical ways to reframe rest guilt

If resting makes you feel edgy, unproductive, or guilty, this episode is for you.

ORDER MY BOOK

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debanked for Dissent: How Putin’s Reach Extends Abroad

Cato Podcast

Relocating to Europe and New Obstacles

The AI-powered Podcast Player