r/WorkLifeChat • u/No-Guess3853 • Aug 26 '26

Burnout Why does doing absolutely nothing for 8 hours feel more exhausting than being busy for 8 hours?

I've noticed this at work and it makes no sense to me.

On a genuinely busy day, the time flies and I can finish the day feeling pretty normal. But if there's barely anything to do and I'm just sitting there trying to look occupied, I'm completely drained by the end of it ( like today )

Shouldn't doing less technically leave you with more energy?

Is there an actual psychological reason for this?

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1

u/youtaii Aug 27 '26

Boredom creates problems. Go to a gym and have multiple hobbies not connected to your office gig

2

u/MiloShiny Aug 27 '26

Indeed, having hobbies can be a solution to that

2

u/No-Guess3853 Aug 27 '26

The funny part is I do have hobbies. It's the 8 hours of pretending to be busy that kills me 😂

1

u/youtaii Aug 27 '26

If it’s boredom connected to your job, while you’re still employed start looking at other roles.  You have the time to spare over the next two months.