The Decibel The case for prioritizing rest in the age of burnout
Apr 17, 2025
Zosia Bielski, a time use reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the pressing need for rest in our burnout culture. She reveals that Canadians average just 17 minutes of daily relaxation, leading to alarming stress levels. Zosia challenges the notion that downtime must be earned and explores how societal pressures shape our views on productivity. Highlighting personal stories, she advocates for setting boundaries and embracing genuine rest, emphasizing its vital role in well-being and creativity. Burnout affects 47% of workers, making this conversation more crucial than ever.
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Zosia's Family Work-Life Boundary
- Zosia Bielski recalls her family never mixing work talk with personal time during holidays or dinners.
- Her experience contrasts sharply with today's common practice of blending work with personal time.
Protestant Work Ethic Shapes Rest
- The Protestant work ethic still heavily influences Canadian attitudes toward work and rest.
- Rest is often seen as unproductive or lazy unless it contributes to self-improvement or productivity.
Limited Resting Time in Canada
- Canadians spend just 17-18 minutes a day on rest or active leisure, far less than time spent on screens.
- Passive leisure like screen time is not usually restorative compared to offline relaxing activities.
