If You’re Anything Like My Husband, You Take Time Off Work to…Work

If you’re anything like my husband, your idea of taking a day off isn’t really taking a day off at all. Instead, it’s a clever disguise for catching up on emails, finishing projects, or checking off the never-ending to-do list. As The Rest Dr, I have to say, this is not something I recommend. But hey, to each their own.

I’ve spent years coaching professionals, teaching social work students, and leading workshops on self-care and mental wellness. I can tell you with confidence, true rest is not catching up on work. Taking time off is meant to recharge your body, your mind, and your spirit, not your inbox.

So here’s why taking “work-cation” days might actually be doing more harm than good, and what you can do instead.

The Myth of the “Catch-Up Day”

If you feel called out, don’t worry, I’ve been guilty of using vacation time to catch up on work tasks, too. Early in my career, I thought being productive meant using every free hour to work. But when we use our time off to catch up, we’re robbing ourselves of real recovery. (We’re also working for free, and no one pays us enough to do that!)

The signs are clear: your brain and body need a break from the work cycle, not just a pause in the calendar. Chronic overwork without proper rest (or possibly even with rest, because why are we chronically overworking?) can lead to fatigue, burnout, and even mental and physical health concerns. For helping professionals like social workers, healthcare workers, and clinicians who are constantly giving to others, resting is crucial. Trust me, the emails and the projects can wait; your mental health cannot.

Rewriting the Rules of Rest

Rest isn’t just sleeping in on Saturday (though that could be part of it). Real rest is intentional. It’s about engaging in activities that rejuvenate you mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually,  socially, occupationally, creatively, intellectually, and intuitively. I’ve learned to schedule rest like I would an important meeting, an important meeting that happens at various times throughout the day!

Some strategies I recommend include:

• Micro-rest throughout the day: 5–10 minutes of deep breathing, stretching, a quick walk, or stepping away from screens is always helpful.

• Creative or leisurely activities: Reading a book that isn’t work-related, painting, cooking for fun, dancing around the living room, and diamond art all count.

• Digital detox hours: No email, no messages, no social media, no notifications. Just be present in the moment.

These intentional breaks create the space for meaningful recovery.

Making Rest a Radical Act

As a Strong Black Woman and entrepreneur with two terminal degrees and clinical licensure, I’ve seen firsthand how our culture glorifies overwork and undervalues rest, especially for high-achieving professionals navigating demanding careers. Saying “no” to work during your time off is hard, but it can also be a practiced skill.

I encourage my students and workshop participants to view rest as a superpower. When you rest, you’re protecting your energy, creativity, and mental clarity. You’re sustainably showing up for yourself and others. For social workers, clinicians, and other high-achieving professionals, embracing rest is not indulgence; it’s essential.

Call to Action

If you’ve been using your time off to catch up on work, I challenge you to try something different this week. Schedule intentional rest, protect your energy, and see how it transforms your productivity and your well-being. Also, consider advocating for a lighter workload, delegating tasks, and focusing only on the high-priority, deadline-dependent tasks.

For professionals seeking guidance on balancing high-demand careers with self-care, visit my events page to join one of my workshops on mental wellness and burnout prevention, or visit my contact page to book a consultation for me to speak with your agency or organization. Let’s make rest a non-negotiable part of your life, because you deserve it.

FAQ

Q1: I feel guilty taking time off completely. How can I overcome this?
A1: Guilt often comes from internalized work culture expectations. Start small: schedule short blocks of intentional rest and remind yourself it’s an investment in your long-term productivity. Setting guilt-free boundaries is a choice, and progress happens once you begin.

Q2: Can rest really improve my work performance?
A2: Absolutely. Rest allows your brain to process information, recharge focus, and reduce burnout. You’ll return to work more energized and effective.

Q3: I love my job, so resting feels boring. How do I make it enjoyable?
A3: Rest doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s about engaging in activities that rejuvenate you. Try exploring various hobbies, exercise, mindfulness, or quality time with loved ones. Get creative! Also, don’t be surprised if at the start of your journey, all you have energy to do is nothing. This is completely normal and an indication of how long you’ve been on overdrive. If you are forcing yourself to do something, even if it's an enjoyable activity, it’s not rest.

Q4: How do I explain to my boss that I need true rest without it affecting my career?
A4: Try framing it as maintaining your efficiency and preventing burnout. Many employers respect proactive self-care when communicated professionally. Also, remind yourself that you don’t have to rationalize or justify taking time off; it’s already yours to take. 

Q5: Are there specific self-care tips for social workers and clinicians?
A5: Social workers face high emotional demands. Practices like setting professional boundaries, engaging in reflective journaling, and attending mental wellness workshops can support sustainable care for yourself and your clients.