Psychological pressure and the guilt of resting
Modern society's emphasis on constant productivity often leads to feelings of guilt during periods of rest, such as summer holidays. Many individuals experience discomfort when breaking daily routines, such as sleeping late, changing dietary habits, or simply doing nothing, because productivity has become deeply tied to personal identity.
Psychologist Nerea Minguez notes that the pressure to 'use time well' can turn relaxation into another scheduled task to be completed. This issue is exacerbated by social media, which promotes an image of 'perfect holidays' filled with constant travel, sports, and activities, making true disconnection difficult. Experts suggest that genuine rest involves slowing down and listening to the needs of the body and mind rather than viewing downtime as wasted time.