We must learn to just say no. Europe takes a vacation in August. In the U.S., we don’t take a month off work.

As people, we need time off to relax, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends.

Creative work is hard. It demands a lot of energy to stay focused on the goals. As a result, rest is a second thought.

If one factor tops others, then it is rest. Rest is essential to staying mentally sharp.

A quick search on rest revealed the following articles:

• A Day of Rest: 12 Scientific Reasons It Works | Inc.com
• Rest for Success | Psychology Today
• Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime – Scientific American

If research is indicating rest is important to performance, why, then are we avoiding rest?

Just say no

Based on neuroscience, the human brain is wired to seek pleasure. Because dopamine is released into the brain when it encounters enjoyment, behavior becomes pleasure-seeking reinforced.

In a way, the same thing happens when we connect with people. As well, when we take on and complete projects.

So, it seems we have wired ourselves for overload. As a result, we’re seeking more dopamine to increase our happiness.

We resist just saying no as it would stop dopamine from flowing in our brains.

It’s fair to ask, is burnout worth the dopamine high? Science indicates it isn’t.

Learn to say no and get some rest. It will do you and those around you good.