Meaning
This proverb means that focusing only on work without taking time for rest, play, or fun leads to boredom, stress, and lack of creativity. A person who never relaxes becomes mentally and emotionally exhausted. Just like the body, the mind too needs refreshment. The proverb reminds us that balance is key—productivity and joy go hand in hand, and rest is not a waste of time, but fuel for better performance.
Understanding the Idea of the Proverb
Work is important, but without leisure, we lose energy, imagination, and happiness. When we only push ourselves and never pause to relax, we become dull, irritable, and tired. The idea behind the proverb is to live a balanced life. Rest, hobbies, nature, and play refresh our minds, make us more focused, and help us enjoy the journey—not just chase the destination. Joy is not a distraction from work—it’s a necessary part of it.
A Relatable Story – “The Boy Who Forgot to Breathe”
Aarav was a high school topper—sharp, focused, and determined. While his friends played cricket after school or spent evenings laughing at the chai stall, Aarav sat at his desk—always studying, always preparing.
“Play later,” he’d tell himself. “Success first.”
His parents proudly called him the future IAS officer of the family. His teachers adored him. But slowly, things began to change.
Aarav stopped smiling. He lost his appetite. His eyes had dark circles, and laughter felt like noise. His friends stopped calling—he was always too busy.
One evening, during a mock exam, Aarav stared at the paper… blank.
His mind, usually sharp, felt foggy. His hand shook. He stood up, left the classroom, and sat alone in the school garden.
An old watchman, who had often seen him passing by with books, came over and said, “Beta, do you ever laugh?”
Aarav looked up, confused.
The man smiled gently, “You breathe in books all day. But do you ever breathe out joy?”
Those words hit hard.
That night, Aarav picked up his old cricket bat from the corner. The next day, he played for the first time in months.
He still studied hard—but now, he smiled more. His mind was fresher, sharper. His spirit had returned.
Moral:
Work hard, yes—but don’t forget to live. Rest, play, and joy are not distractions. They are part of your fuel.