Can anyone explain why every time I try to take a moment for myself, whether it’s dancing, scrolling through TikTok, listening to music, or just taking a short break, I end up feeling guilty and useless? It’s like my brain immediately jumps in with, “Congrats, you’re failing your entire academic future.”
Anyone???
It’s so frustrating because I know I should be able to enjoy non-academic activities. I mean, spending a couple of hours on social media over the weekend isn’t going to ruin my life… right? It’s not like universities will reject me after high school just because I spent some time watching edits and shorts on a random Saturday or Friday night. Right?
Am I just over in my head, or will I actually ruin my life if I make a little time for myself? You people should let me know because the guilt is crashing!
There’s this nagging voice in my head insisting I need to be focused 24/7 just because I’m a bit of a nerd. Like, instead of watching TV, I should be reading an entire novel or solving 162 math problems.
But come to think of it, who even needs an enemy when you have an overthinking brain like mine? It’s exhausting, to be really honest. Every day feels like a checklist: school, homework, family, friends, expectations. And when I finally have a quiet moment to breathe, I can’t even enjoy it because I’m too busy feeling guilty about “doing nothing.”
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Sometimes I see people on TikTok talking about self-care routines like it’s just face masks and bubble baths, but for me, it’s deeper. It’s the ability to sit still without hating myself for it. It’s learning that rest isn’t laziness, it’s recovery and calming the voice in my head that it is fine.
But how do I achieve thiswhen everytime I sit and spend a little time with myself I hear the repetive question every single “Are you learning?”, “Don’t you have homework?”, “Since you don’t have anything to do, come and…?” echo in my head and ears.
So… I’ve decided something. From today onwards, I’m actually going to make time for myself. Like real time, not the “I’ll rest after this one last thing” lie I tell myself every day.
Because burnout? Yeah, it’s real. And pretending it isn’t doesn’t help anybody.
I’ve realized that even the most hardworking people need a break. We all deserve a moment to sit down, breathe, snack on something cute, watch a show, and just exist without feeling guilty. Life isn’t supposed to be nonstop books and pressure.
Studying is important, sure — but it works better when you’re not mentally exhausted. So I’m setting up a simple study routine with breaks in between. And if there’s a day where I honestly don’t have it in me? I’m giving myself permission to rest. No shame attached.
And if you’re going through the same thing, please hear me:
You’re allowed to take a break. You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to take care of yourself.
We’re all trying our best — just don’t forget to take care of you in the process.
