You’re going and going, not sure what exactly you’re doing, but things are happening all at once. It may be time to take a break.
You’re carrying out goals, but none of it excites you. You’ve been a bit forgetful, yet somehow, tasks get completed. You implement subtle changes here and there, but the mundane remains. Although you daydream of the future, you have a rigid schedule for each day and no plans for the week ahead. You’re feeling the underwhelming and overwhelming sensation of being on autopilot.
What Does Taking a Break Mean?
Intentionally create space between you and everything around you. Use it to pause, rest, reflect, and find clarity. Refuel the physical body and mind.
10 Signs You Need a Break
Think of different areas of your life: career, education, spirituality, community, family, friends, partners, & health. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a particular area, it’s time to slow down.
- Feeling restless
- Can’t sleep
- Eating habits drastically changed
- Lack of motivation
- Neglecting self-care
- Frequent illness
- Anxiousness
- Struggling to enjoy things
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Benefits of Taking a Break
Sometimes, we push through for weeks or months, but it’s not the healthiest practice. Burnout is substantial and, at times, ugly. In a society where productivity is overvalued compared to an individual’s health stability, breaks seem luxurious, but it’s essential for the work to begin. Whether positive or negative events happen, feeling over or underwhelmed in many situations can lead to health risks.
The result of breaking are managing stress levels, getting to your best self, and other benefits.
- No longer being in a stressful environment and can rest physically and mentally.
- Your thinking will be clear and practical.
- Productivity will increase.
- You’ll be proactive and efficient in various situations
- Open and positive within varied relationships.
- Healthy communication and personal boundaries.
- Self-care. Discovering yourself on an intimate level, cultivating self-esteem and compassion.
Life will be more enjoyable.
How to Take a Break
Taking a break doesn’t equate to giving up. Conclusively, you’ll know how to return moving forward in life. Use the pause wisely in methods you can afford and feel comfortable doing so. It doesn’t have to be extensive and elaborate. There are numerous activities and settings for them to take place. The key is to listen to your body and mind and give what’s needed. Move your body or stay still:
Vacation
Head off to paradise, a place of delight and bliss. Don’t overbook yourself with excursions or bring your work with you. Rest, relax, and disconnect from technology.
Staycation
A change in scenery can make a world of difference. Spend time in nature hiking, bike riding, or swimming. Visit a nearby spa, theme park, or sightsee.
Playcation
Figuratively go back to your childhood and immerse in what you used to enjoy, such as pizza making, planet spotting, bug finding, arts & crafts, etc.
Short Breaks
Remove yourself from a situation or mentality. Spend 30 minutes to 1 hour window watching, meditating, journaling, etc.
Make Your Break Effective
Set some rules on how long your break will be. Make the most of your alone time by trying something new you’ve always wanted to or providing an adequate amount of something you’ve required. Reflect on your emotions during this time and jot them down, making it easier to navigate their complexity. Decide on how you want to move forward with an understanding of what didn’t work in your favor. Reach out for support if the issue is too big for one person. Remember to be kind to yourself.