My Natural Rhythm: Why I Overlook It—and How Stress Takes Over

Phone Battery vs. Human Energy: A Revealing Comparison

Lost in thought today, this hits me: I always keep my phone’s battery topped up, unlike my own dwindling energy. I celebrate my successes only after completing everything and resolving all issues.

I’ve lost touch with my natural rhythm. Ebb and flow. Day and night. Tension and relaxation. But instead of allowing this alternation, I force myself into rigid schedules. I push beyond my limits—often out of fear. But at what cost? Is there a direct connection between sleep problems, burnout, and stress?

I Fight Against My Own Energy - Why???

Today is one of those days. My mind is racing, even though I’m still lying in my bed. So much to do. So many problems to solve. In my thoughts, I’m already organizing everything perfectly! I’m already on edge, and nothing has even begun. Only in my head have I already plowed through everything. I already know: “I won’t have time for myself today. My needs must wait. I hope I can manage it all. Actually, I’d much rather start the day comfortably. I’m already looking forward to tomorrow... Phew, I already feel drained...”

Productivity or Break? The Inner Pressure Never Stops.

Do you know this too? This constant inner pressure to function. “First this, then that, and now quickly this. Work through everything quickly. I need a break, but wait, quickly do this too...“ Strictly speaking, I can’t even take a break as long as my head is still “organizing”. Couldn’t relax anyway until I’m finished. I forget to eat and drink. My needs come last. Everything else is much more important right now. Oh dear, why is this so difficult?

How Breaks Became Laziness—Childhood Conditioning

No wonder I learned it from an early age: Doing nothing is wrong. “Break” is another word for laziness.

I remember: As a child, I simply played. Often I was completely immersed—and then came the abrupt “That’s enough now! Clean up! We’re eating soon!”

It feels like slamming on the brakes. From one moment to the next. From joy to disappointment. Energy choked off.

Later in school: Sitting still for hours, even when I actually wanted to go outside. And when I needed rest? “Come on, don’t be so sluggish.”

Too Tired to Work, Too Nervous to Rest: The Inner Conflict

The result? A body that no longer knows when it’s allowed to rest. A mind that feels guilty when it does nothing. And then? Then I sit there:

I learned early on that my rhythm doesn’t count. There are deadlines, obligations, expectations—and they always take priority NOW.

🌎 Lessons from Abroad: How Other Cultures Embrace Pauses

I’m currently living in Mexico. Before my trip, I had the typical image in mind: Siesta and Fiesta. People sleeping in the shade. Music and dancing into the night.

But the reality is different. Even in the mega-metropolis of Mexico City, I see: The people are very hardworking and yet less stressed. They take time for breaks. They don’t fight against their rhythm—they live it.

What if
we no longer saw breaks as weakness,
but as part of a healthy life?

Feeling Pressured? Cultural Differences Point the Way Out

Find out how relentless performance demands in America, China, or Germany can wear you down—and how to discover your true rhythm instead.

Time and SpaceJutta