Psychologists and therapists, how did society get to a point where no one seems to be getting enough rest and exhaustion is prevalent? (ex: kids are overbooked, parents are working too much, no one is taking vacations etc.)

As a psychotherapist, I observe that societal exhaustion stems from a culture that prioritises busyness over well-being. Many families I work with have children overbooked with activities, leaving them with little time for relaxation or creative play. This behaviour is often mirrored by parents who feel compelled to prioritise work, grappling with guilt if they take time for personal needs. This relentless drive to be productive fosters a cycle of continuous activity, exacerbated by societal stigma surrounding taking vacations. Rather than viewing breaks as essential for rejuvenation, many see them as indulgent. In my sessions, I encourage clients to challenge this perspective, recognising that rest is crucial for mental health. By reshaping our understanding of downtime, we can gradually restore balance in our lives and combat the pervasive exhaustion.

This can be traced back to several cultural and systemic factors that prioritize constant activity and productivity over rest. The rise of a "hustle culture" has led to a relentless focus on achievement and work, often glorifying long hours and multitasking. In this environment, both adults and children face overwhelming demands. Parents are working longer hours to meet financial pressures, and children are overbooked with extracurricular activities and academic commitments, leaving little time for relaxation or unstructured play. The digital age has also blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making it difficult for individuals to fully disconnect and recharge. The constant connectivity provided by smartphones and other devices means work and social obligations intrude on personal time, further exacerbating stress and reducing opportunities for restful breaks. Societal expectations and norms also often devalue rest, viewing it as a luxury rather than a necessity. This mindset contributes to a cycle where people are reluctant to take vacations or downtime, fearing it might negatively impact their career or personal obligations. As a result, the lack of rest has become normalized, impacting overall well-being and perpetuating a culture of exhaustion.

Society's exhaustion is largely due to our always-on culture, where technology keeps us connected 24/7, blurring the lines between work and rest. The push to always be productive makes it hard to prioritize sleep, while urban life and constant stress only add to the problem. We've also started to see burnout as a sign of success, which makes getting enough rest even tougher.