What Nature Teaches Us About Work and Rest

How do you feel at the end of a workday?
Tired? Anxious? Overstimulated—or even unwell?

I have been hearing this more and more. People speak about endless working hours, about having no time to rest, to exercise, or to nourish themselves properly. I have also witnessed more people falling sick, physically or mentally, as a consequence of these conditions.

We can debate where the responsibility lies.
Is it global competition? Technology? A shifting job market?
Is it work culture, leadership—or is it individual responsibility?

Auditing classes at university this semester, I noticed a change as well. Compared to my bachelor’s studies five years ago, attention and engagement have declined. Students used to be involved and ready to participate. Today, amidst social media, classes, work and events, everyone is everywhere—yet no one seems present. People are there physically, but mentally, they are elsewhere.

How did we allow this to happen?
When did we decide that quantity and superficiality were more valuable than quality and depth?

There is nothing admirable about neglecting ourselves or our surroundings in the name of “productivity.” In fact, it often becomes counterproductive. Anything meaningful requires strong foundations—and foundations take time.

If people must fall sick before allowing themselves to rest, then something in our society is out of balance.

More and more individuals turn to substances or distractions: to stimulate themselves when their body is exhausted, or to avoid silence, stillness and boredom.

The first step in regaining personal power is self-respect: the courage to take responsibility for your own wellbeing. While leadership has a role to play, boundaries begin at the individual level. If each person chose to set healthier limits, others would feel empowered to do the same. Eventually, a healthier environment would be restored. 

Rest, time offline, boredom, moments with loved ones, and time in nature are not wasted hours. They are essential to restore our mind, body, creativity and productivity.

This is why this quote by Lao Tzu is one of my favorites. Nature has its own rhythm—seasons of growth and seasons of rest. We, too, need both effort and restoration.

This is not only a personal responsibility; it is a collective one. A healthy individual strengthens the community around them. When you thrive, you become an example that gives others permission to thrive as well.

What are your thoughts and experience on this ?

Thank you, as always, for reading, and I wish you a wonderful start to the week!