Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition 3273: Downtime: Why You Need It in Your Life by Dan Erickson with No Sidebar on Rest and Recovery
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Jan 27, 2026 
Dan Erickson, a writer who champions intentional rest, argues that constant busyness drains our wellbeing. He explores how slowing down protects mental and physical health. He discusses how downtime deepens relationships, builds self-worth, and sharpens focus. Practical ideas on saying yes and no with intent and pursuing mastery through single-tasking round out the conversation.
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Busyness Harms Body And Mind
- Chronic busyness raises stress hormones and damages physical and mental health.
- Dan Erickson argues intentional downtime reverses this harm and supports wellness.
Personal Burnout Wake-Up Call
- Dan Erickson shares feeling physically and emotionally spent as a busy single dad and college professor.
- He describes anxiety and darker bouts that taught him to heed the body's cue to slow down.
Schedule Intentional Downtime
- Create intentional downtime instead of numbing with quick fixes like alcohol.
- Make deliberate breaks to lower stress hormones and protect your health.