Use of English - Multiple Choice

The Discipline of Relaxation

In a culture that prizes constant productivity, relaxation is often treated as an (0) OPTIONAL luxury rather than a necessary skill. Yet the ability to switch off is not merely pleasant; it is increasingly viewed as a (1) .......... measure against burnout. The difficulty is that many people attempt to relax in a (2) .......... way, as if calm could be achieved by sheer force of will. They book a weekend away, silence their phones and expect peace to arrive on schedule. In practice, the mind rarely cooperates. Even in quiet surroundings, a (3) .......... sense that something has been forgotten can persist, pulling attention back to unfinished tasks. Meanwhile, inboxes and group chats leave us (4) .......... with information, so that even trivial messages feel urgent. Under these conditions, it is hardly surprising that people report feeling (5) .......... by minor decisions, from what to cook to whether to reply immediately. A more effective approach is to adopt a simple (6) .......... for rest: set boundaries, reduce stimulation and allow time for recovery. This does not mean becoming passive; it means learning to (7) .......... and accept that not every demand deserves a response. Over time, this makes it easier to (8) .......... the habits that keep the nervous system on high alert, and to return to work with clearer judgement.