For many people, relaxing after a demanding day does not always bring the relief they expect. Instead of feeling calm while sitting quietly, taking a break or spending time away from work, they may become anxious about everything they still need to do.

This experience is increasingly being described as “stresslaxing” — a situation in which a person feels stressed or guilty while attempting to relax.

One reason may be the difficulty of mentally switching off after prolonged periods of activity. When someone becomes accustomed to constantly working, responding to messages or completing tasks, periods of inactivity can feel unfamiliar rather than relaxing.

During a break, thoughts about unfinished work, household responsibilities, pending emails or other obligations may become more noticeable. Instead of focusing on rest, the mind continues running through a list of things that need attention.

The pressure to make free time “productive” can also make genuine rest difficult. People may feel that they should exercise, organise their surroundings, learn something new or complete another task rather than simply doing nothing.

Recognising that rest does not have to produce an immediate sense of productivity can be an important first step. Starting with short periods of low-pressure activities, such as listening to music, taking a walk or sitting without checking notifications, may make relaxation feel more manageable.

It can also help to create a clear boundary between work and personal time. Completing essential tasks before a planned break and putting devices away can reduce reminders of unfinished responsibilities.

Stresslaxing does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with a person’s ability to relax. For some, it may reflect difficulty transitioning from a highly active routine to genuine downtime. Learning to treat rest as part of maintaining wellbeing, rather than another task to accomplish, can make it easier to switch off.