The Couch Potato Complex: Learning to Truly Relax

Growing up, my mum would often call me a "couch potato," a term that left me feeling like I should always be creating, working, or doing something other than just relaxing. The message was clear: if I wasn’t busy, I was lazy. This mentality drove me to become a dedicated, reliable worker. But it also made it hard to simply unwind—does anyone else relate to that? The constant need to be productive, as if we can’t sit still for fear of being judged?

For years, I would even jump up and pretend to be busy whenever my husband walked in and caught me lounging. I still catch myself doing this every now and then, as if I’m expecting him to judge me for taking a moment to just be. But here’s the thing: it's taken time (and some inner work) to realize that it's okay to relax—and even necessary.

Some of us need a little reminder that it's perfectly fine to spend a day in bed on a day off. Maybe not every day (unless you really need it!), but giving yourself permission to rest isn’t laziness; it’s self-care. I've found that connecting with myself through things like gentle stretching, listening to music, and yes, yoga (obviously!) helps me embrace relaxation without guilt.

So, here’s a little reminder for anyone who needs it: it’s okay to let go of that productivity pressure sometimes. Relax, recharge, and let yourself be a “couch potato” without judgment.