The myth of being needed

In a world that often glorifies hustle culture and long working hours, taking a holiday can feel like a guilty pleasure. Many people usually spend so much of their life trying to be useful and always available! They confuse presence with value and being busy with meaning. Even when they leave office, they often don’t leave it. They carry it in their pockets and heads. They refresh emails while waiting for coffee and check messages “just in case.” There is a voice in them that whispers, “What if they need me?” This is both terrifying and critical indeed.

Remember: the world moves on without you. People will manage without you and meetings will always happen. Things might be delayed, or they might not even notice you are away. To some, this might look a failure, but it is a blessing. Being away reminds you that you are more than what you do. You are allowed to be a human being, not just a function. And you are allowed to step back, not because you are replaceable, but because you deserve rest.

What really happens when you disappear? The first day off feels strange as you don’t know what to do. You find yourself reaching for your phone in line at the grocery, out of a habit. You walk slower, but still feel rushed. You catch yourself mentally drafting a reply to a message that you are not supposed to read! But then something shifts slowly and quietly, and you begin to arrive in your own life.

Yes, you might become a little stranger when you disconnect! Perhaps you become a little foreign to yourself. That version of you who once spent whole afternoons reading in bed, watching movies and enjoying your mornings with family or friends.

You notice how the morning light actually falls across your table. You taste your coffee instead of drinking it. You listen to your breath, not for mindfulness points, not to fix anything; just to hear it. Just to remember that you are here enjoying your own time.

The truth is, holidays are not just about escaping the daily routine; they are essential for your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Whether it is a beach getaway, a mountain retreat, or a simple staycation at home, taking a proper break from work and routine offers benefits that go far beyond relaxation.

You are not a machine. Over time, the pressure of work, daily responsibilities and constant connectivity can take a toll on both your mind and body. A holiday gives you the space to reset. Physically, it helps reduce stress hormones, improve sleep and boost immunity. Mentally, it can ease anxiety and clear mental fog, helping you return to life more focused and balanced.

Hence, taking a holiday is not selfish; it is smart. Whether you are travelling abroad or just unplugging for a few days at home, the break can refresh your body, reset your mind and renew your sense of purpose. Life is not just about work and responsibilities; it is also about enjoying the moments in between.

Just leave the room and walk outside. So, simply close your laptop and go somewhere with no signal. Let the world forget you for a little while, so you can remember who you are when no one is asking anything of you. So go ahead, book that trip, plan that day off, or take that long weekend. You will be better for it and so will the people around you.

Then, eventually, the break will end. You turn your phone back on. The emails are there, like polite little ghosts waiting at the door. But they don’t scare you anymore. You walk back into work carrying something fragile and valuable, a sense of self that work didn’t give you and can’t take away.

Likewise, you will come back to office changed and refreshed. You come back clearer, slower, but not behind; just better aligned.