One of the most profound lessons from my garden leave was learning to let go of the guilt associated with relaxation and unproductivity. In a society that glorifies busyness and constant achievement, the idea of doing nothing felt almost rebellious.

Initially, I struggled with the concept of unstructured time. My internal critic would chastise me for not using every moment productively. However, as the weeks went by, I began to understand the value of downtime. Rest and relaxation were not synonymous with laziness; they were essential components of a balanced and healthy life.

Embracing relaxation meant rethinking my relationship with time. I allowed myself to indulge in activities purely for pleasure: reading, perusing charity shops, cooking overcomplicated recipes, or playing on my Nintendo Switch while letting a face mask do its magic. These moments of stillness and leisure rejuvenated me in ways that frantic productivity never could.

Letting go of guilt also meant redefining success. I realised that my worth was not tied to my output or achievements. Success could be found in the quality of my relationships, the richness of my experiences, and the depth of my well-being. By nurturing these aspects of my life, I became more grounded, content, and resilient.

“After burnout turned into a breakdown, I left work – and learned 4 important lessons about mental health”