Why Leisure Time Is Hard For High Achievers
It May be a Struggle but Finding the Harmony Between Work and Play is Essential
“I don’t know how to relax.”
This is a common statement that my high-achieving clients often tell me when they come into therapy.
So much of their time is spent on work, taking care of others, and placing themselves last, that knowing what they like and enjoy is simply a foreign concept now.
That part has been lost.
And you’re ready to take steps forward to finding it again.
Keep reading to learn reasons why high achievers have difficulty spending time engaging in leisure.
I am an online anxiety therapist in Wilmington, NC. I specialize in providing therapy for high-achieving women experiencing challenges such as stress, anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout.
My online anxiety therapy practice is based in Wilmington, NC but I also offer online anxiety therapy in North Carolina and Maryland.
Ready to get started? Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation with me.
Keep reading to learn more information on why leisure time is difficult for high-achievers.
6 Reasons Why Leisure Is Difficult for High Achievers
High achievers are known for their goal-setting and reaching success.
And when I work with my high achievers they are also often known to have difficulty resting, relaxing, and minimizing their leisure time.
Check out some of these common reasons why high achievers have difficulty valuing the leisure part of their life.
Reason #1 Leisure Time for High Achievers is Hard: High achievers are hard workers
For high achievers, leisure can be hard because they're used to working hard. They're used to being productive and achieving goals, so when they have free time, they may not know what to do with themselves.
They may feel like they should be doing something productive, even though they don't have to. This can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety about wasting time.
Reason #2 Leisure Time for High Achievers is Hard: The need to be productive
High achievers may feel like they need to be productive all the time, even when they're not working. This can make it difficult for them to relax and enjoy leisure activities.
They may feel like they should be using their free time to accomplish something, even though there's no need to. This can lead to feelings of stress and frustration.
Reason #3 Leisure Time for High Achievers is Hard: Used to being in control
High achievers are used to being in control of their lives and their work. When they're not in control, it can be uncomfortable or even scary.
This can make it hard for them to relax and enjoy leisure activities that don't involve work or goal-setting. They may feel like they're not doing anything if they're not in control.
Reason #4 Leisure Time for High Achievers is Hard: High achievers have energy
High achievers can have a lot of energy. This energy could be pure or anxiety-driven too.
This can make it difficult for them to relax and do nothing during their leisure time. They may feel like they need to be active all the time, even when they don't want or need to be. This can lead to feelings of restlessness and impatience.
Reason #5 Leisure Time for High Achievers is Hard: All about being busy
High achievers are often used to being busy all the time. When they suddenly have free time, it can be confusing or even unsettling.
High-achievers may not know what to do with themselves if they're not constantly busy with work or other activities. This can lead to feelings of boredom or loneliness.
Reason #6 Leisure Time for High Achievers is Hard: Little Miss Responsible
Leisure time can be hard for high achievers because they are used to having a lot of responsibility. When you have responsibilities, it can be difficult to relax and take time for yourself
It is also important to remember that leisure can mean many different things. It doesn’t always equate to hot yoga at the bougie place in town or sitting on the couch because you are forcing yourself to “relax.”
Leisure can be rest, relaxing, creative, or stimulating.
It can look different for everyone.
Stress and Anxiety Therapy in Wilmington, NC at Calm Waters Counseling
Being able to have downtime is essential and it is impractical to be “on” all day every day. When denying yourself leisure or downtime you increase your risks of high stress, high anxiety, and burnout.
While allowing yourself the opportunity to engage in leisure time can be difficult, it is really important to your physical and mental health.
At Calm Waters Counseling, I use a style of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. ACT helps improve psychological flexibility, identify and engage in values, and be more present.
Check out this blog to learn if ACT could be helpful for you.
Learn more about ACT for anxiety.
Get started in therapy at Calm Waters Counseling by following these 4 simple steps:
Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation
Complete the brief questionnaire sent to your email before the consultation
Meet with your anxiety therapist
Start meeting your goals and living your life in rich and meaningful ways
Therapy for High Achievers in Wilmington, NC Calm Waters Counseling
High achievers can experience a lot of different challenges including engaging in leisure. A lot of these challenges come from anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout.
I get it.
Learn more about me and my Wilmington, NC online counseling practice.
Check out the helpful services at Calm Waters Counseling, listed below:
Anxiety therapy in Wilmington, NC
Treatment for Perfectionism in Maryland
Burnout Counseling in Wilmington, NC
Therapy for Imposter Syndrome in Wilmington, NC
Online Anxiety Therapy for High Achievers in Maryland
Virtual therapy offers the flexibility and support a lot of high achievers appreciate. No longer does it have to be rushing around to get into the therapy office and plan your life around weekly appointments.
Interested in online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for anxiety treatment?
If online therapy seems like a good option for you, click the links below to learn more about where you live.
online therapy for anxiety in North Carolina
online anxiety therapy in Maryland
Have more questions? I’ve got more answers!
Written by: Laura Rippeon, LCSW, LCSW-C