E59: Work and Play, Episode 3: Getting Better at Leisure- Let's Do it Right

Getting Better at Leisure- Let's Do it RightMona reframes leisure as a skill—not a reward—and explains why many high achievers still feel empty after weekends, vacations, or binge-worthy downtime. Building on earlier episodes about work stories and play deprivation, she shares ideas from Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, including the distinction between pleasure (quick dopamine relief that fades) and enjoyment (pleasure plus “elevation” that leaves you more alive). Because burnout pushes our brains toward low-effort pleasure, Mona encourages planning leisure with simple intention—one deliberate choice instead of default scrolling. She outlines four categories of restorative leisure: contemplation, creativity, nature, and deep human connection, and addresses the “productive guilt” that blocks real rest. The challenge is a two-week leisure audit to notice what truly restores you and try one intentional activity.00:00 Leisure Is A Skill01:15 Series Recap And Burnout Culture02:50 Why Time Off Feels Empty04:55 Arthur Brooks Framework06:18 Pleasure Versus Enjoyment11:26 Plan Leisure With Intention13:47 Four Types Of Restorative Leisure14:02 Contemplation Quiet Time14:54 Creativity That Regulates16:46 Nature And Nervous System17:14 Deep Human Connection18:24 Leisure Audit Challenge19:07 Productive Guilt And Permission22:11 Closing Next StepsTo to find out more about how I can help your workplace or work with me one on one, please see www.monatippets.comWant to understand your stress a little better? Get my free Stress Management Guide for High Achievers here.