The Decibel The case for prioritizing rest in the age of burnout
15 snips
Aug 1, 2025 
Zosia Bielski, a time use reporter for The Globe and Mail, explores Canada’s troubling relationship with rest. She highlights that Canadians average just 17 minutes a day of resting, contributing to high stress levels for many. Zosia advocates for redefining rest as essential, not earned, and shares personal journeys toward prioritizing well-being. The discussion emphasizes the importance of boundaries, communal rejuvenation, and fresh perspectives on work-life balance, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.
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Old Family Work-Rest Boundaries
- Zosia Bielski recalls her family's clear separation between work and rest, with off hours truly their own time.
- Holidays were sacred and about family experience, unlike today's work-encroached vacations.
Protestant Work Ethic's Rest Impact
- Canadian rest is influenced by a strong Protestant work ethic implying rest is lazy unless productive.
- Rest is often seen as time wasted that should be spent improving ourselves, revealing deep cultural attitudes.
Minimal Rest vs Screen Time
- Canadians spend just 17 minutes daily on resting or relaxing and 18 minutes on active leisure.
- This contrasts with nearly 1 hour 42 minutes spent on screens, which is passive and rarely restorative.
