Why do we feel guilty when we're doing nothing?

I've noticed how difficult it can be for some of us to sit down and do absolutely nothing without feeling like we should be doing something useful.

Even when we've finished everything that needs doing, there's usually something else waiting. The washing, an email to answer, a cupboard that could do with a clean. And if we're not physically doing something, our minds are often busy planning what needs to happen next.

Somewhere along the way, I think we've become very good at measuring our days by how much we've achieved.

I spent over 30 years working in the fitness industry, where being active, motivated and productive was very much part of my everyday life. I've always been someone who likes to keep busy, and I still am. So I understand that switching off isn't necessarily easy, even when you have a perfectly good reason to rest.

And I wonder how much of that comes from genuinely enjoying being productive, and how much comes from feeling uncomfortable when we're not.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a busy life. But surely we shouldn't have to earn the right to put our feet up?

I'm curious, can you sit down and do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty, or does that little voice start reminding you of everything you could be doing?

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Why do we feel guilty when we're doing nothing?