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British people need to take more holidays and avoid making "a virtue of unceasing work" according to the Bishop of Shrewsbury.
Anglican Bishop Mark Rylands says people were not designed to be "forever on the go" and that recreation is something which needs to be rediscovered.
He also urges people to look to the French attitude to holidays and argues that despite working longer, it does not mean British people are more productive.
Writing in his pastoral letter the bishop said: "We British don't seem to be very good at taking time out. We prefer to make a virtue out of unceasing work; we boast about how busy we are, as if the hectic pace of our lives is proof that we are important and significant.
"We feel guilty when we're not working and we're suspicious of anyone who lifts their nose from the grindstone for too long. In France, however, the whole country basically shuts down for the month of August and everyone heads for the beach or the mountains.
"While the number of public holidays in Britain is eight; on the continent it's 10 or 11. Despite working more hours, it is debatable whether our country is any more productive.
"Indeed, Britain has one of the highest records, for countries in Europe, of workdays lost due to sickness."
He added: "We were not, however, designed to be forever on the go. Fast-paced lifestyles and little sleep rob us not only of energy but also of relationships.We rob ourselves, however, when we desire autonomy or when we imagine we are indispensable. As Charles de Gaulle once said: 'The graveyards are full of indispensable men'. And few on their death bed say they wish they had spent more time at their desk."
Bishop Mark says the Bible recognises the need to rest.
He wrote: "Jesus may have worked long hours teaching and healing but he knew that he needed to draw aside, to step out of the rush and away from the demands laid upon him."
He knew of his need to find peace and to reconnect with his Father, gaining spiritual energy and sustenance in solitude. Exhaustion is a fact of life. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that even young people grow tired and become weary.
"He tells us that the remedy for weariness is rest, waiting on God, waiting to be filled with his strength. So if the prophets recognised the need for spiritual refuelling and Jesus prioritised time alone with his father, how much more do we need it?"
