Never underestimate the value of rest.

Looking at the way human society has developed, the need for accomplishment has become so great that, in some individuals, it can supersede Maslow's heirarchy of needs. We keep pushing ourselves to do more, to be more -- sometimes carelessly.

Times may have been hard for the generations that came before us, but our mindsets are far more harried than theirs. Admittedly, we have more conveniences and opportunities now. Problem is, along with all these wonderful new benefits come new demands and new expectations.

Without a proper sense of balance, we run the risk of effectively running ourselves into the ground. The human body, marvel of evolutionary engineering that it is, still has very tangible limits.

No matter how fit you are, there will always be times when you absolutely must give yourself the chance to relax and recuperate from your travails. Your body is not tireless, and it is most assuredly not invincible. If solid rock can be eroded, so can your physical integrity.

Striving for greatness isn't a bad thing. On the contrary -- it's an aspiration that people should maintain in the face of today's tendency towards ennui and complacency. The idea is to not overdo it.

It's true that you can't get anything done if you just sit around. Opportunities rarely just appear and prostrate themselves before you; they have to be sought out and worked for. However, if you leave yourself no room to take a breather once in a while, you'll soon find yourself without the strength to do anything at all.

Rest is valuable. There's only so much time in a day, and you can't spend all that time working or playing. There has to be an acceptable margin of recovery. It's not enough to simply eat right and exercise well. You have to sleep, and you have to unwind. Overindulging in activity, whatever it is, can be just as hazardous to your health as the more overt vices.

Strike a sensible balance. Observe your lifestyle, and coordinate both your concerns and your health. Pay attention to the big picture, and you'll see how much better off you'll be if you get enough rest.

[First published by Perspective, DLSU - College of St. Benilde]