Feel like you need to slow down and take a break, but you can’t seem to bring yourself to do it? It turns out a lot of Americans do, and new research reveals it all comes down to guilt. Specifically relaxation guilt, which is keeping people from taking time off, even when they desperately need it.
A new survey of 2-thousand workers nationwide suggests that burnout has become a regular part of daily life for many of us. More than three-quarters (78%) say they currently need a break, but 40% admit they feel guilty relaxing.
- Three-quarters report feeling mentally or physically drained at least once a week and 27% feel that way every day.
- One in five can’t even remember the last time they felt fully rested, but 72% believe relaxation is something people have to earn.
- More than half of those polled say they have 10 or fewer restorative days in a whole year, including 11% who don’t get any at all.
- And it’s not like most of them don’t get time off, eight in 10 professionals expect to end the year with unused PTO.
- Even those who do try to take a break don’t always feel relaxed, with 70% saying they need a vacation to recover from their vacation.
- Traveling can be draining, especially for parents, as 40% say downtime on family vacations is rare or nonexistent. That’s why 43% get back from a family trip feeling more drained than before they left.
- With summer coming up soon, 76% say their ideal summer day is one that’s calm, low-key and simple.
- Looking back to their own childhood summers, things people remember most are being outside (51%), free time (43%) and time with family (16%), and just 16% say big vacations defined their summers as a kid.
Source: Resort Pass