Have you ever felt guilty for taking time off?

No matter how many hours you’ve worked that day or week, it still feels like you haven’t earned it.

There’s always another task to check off, another email to respond to—so the cycle feels never-ending.

At what point do we actually deserve a break?

For me, it’s a daily practice to remind myself that time off isn’t just necessary—it’s earned.

My mind loves to create a running list of all the things still left to do, convincing me that I need to keep going. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing. I’m grateful to have meaningful work that keeps me engaged.

But at the same time, I know this is a long game, and the best way to win is to play it sustainably.

So how do we take time off without feeling guilty?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but here’s what works for me:

I stick to regular working hours: 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.

I’m not perfect—some days I work later—but I aim to follow this 80% of the time.

On weekends, I allow myself a few hours of work if needed, but I commit to at least one full day off to completely unplug.

These boundaries have helped me rest, recharge, and actually enjoy life—without guilt.

Because the truth is, we don’t have to earn rest. We just have to allow it.