This podcast unpacks the psychological roots of rest guilt, tracing its origins from the industrial revolution to today’s hyper-connected, performance-driven culture. It reveals how social media platforms amplify comparison and urgency, making disengagement feel risky. Despite being essential for cognitive function and emotional health, rest is often seen as laziness—a moral failing rather than a human need. The episode highlights how chronic sleep deprivation impairs us as severely as alcohol, yet we continue to push through. By reframing rest not as a reward but as a productive investment, and embracing natural cycles of activity and stillness, we can reclaim it without guilt. Real sustainability comes from honoring our limits, not punishing them—exemplified by figures like Simone Biles who prioritize well-being over relentless output.