Situation · Work
“I feel guilty when I take a day off”
What could be going on
Workaholism: Fits if you feel anxious or guilty when not working.
Guilt: Fits if you feel you're letting someone down by resting.
Harsh superego (inner critic): Fits if an inner voice calls you lazy for resting.
Contingent self-worth: Fits if your worth depends on being productive.
Conditions of worth (Rogers): Fits if you learned early that love depended on being useful.
Should statements: Fits if you have rules like 'I should always be working'.
Questions to carry
- On my last day off, at which moment did the guilt come, and what was I doing?
- Whose voice says I have not earned the rest, and where did I first hear it?
Also said as
- I can't relax on holiday
- why do I feel bad when I'm not working
- taking a sick day makes me anxious
- I feel lazy whenever I rest
- I feel bad about taking time off
- I can't enjoy a holiday without guilt