The Importance of Giving Yourself a Break
Have you ever felt like you are going…and going…and going…with no end in sight? Remember how the little pink Energizer Bunny just kept going…and going…and going? Nothing ever seemed to stop that rabbit. (If you aren’t familiar with these commercials, we suggest searching them up online.) As a society, we are starting to act like the good old Energizer Bunny. We’ve all been there, so let’s look at some strategies to tackle the feeling of “going, going, going” before we totally burnout.
Nowadays, society tends to applaud being busy, but why are we still doing this to ourselves? Being in a constant state of “busy” creates more stress and a feeling of overwhelm. The Harvard Business Review looked at 80 studies that focused on the impact of taking breaks. There is resounding evidence that taking breaks during the day can help improve your overall well-being and mental health.
Why are we so against taking breaks?
The idea of breaks usually worries people because they feel like breaks will cause them to be less productive. Research shows us that quite the contrary is true. Taking breaks will help you be more productive, while also allowing you brain time to relax and reset.
The key to ensuring that you are able to return to your task after taking a break is to make sure you know what the expectation is upon completing your break. When developing a system to take breaks that works for you, consider the following:
How long will my break be?
What’s the plan for the break?
What task will you return to upon your break ending? (Bonus points if you get this task all set-up and ready to go so you eliminate additional excuses.)
Is there someone or something that can help hold me accountable? (ie: a significant other, a timer)
By taking the time to establish a system for taking breaks, you’re more likely to create good habits that lead to productivity and balance.
What change can you initiate TODAY?
We know that taking breaks is a powerful tool to help set yourself up for success. While this is usually met with some hesitation, there is evidence to support the need to take breaks throughout the day. Micro-breaks are usually less than 10-minutes in length and can be anything from taking a walk around your house to eating a snack. We are all busy, but finding even just a few moments to recharge is 100% doable.
Some of our favorite break ideas:
Taking a walk - getting outside has so many benefits, both mental and physical
Read a chapter in a book - ask us for our favorite recommendations
Write down three things you’re grateful for - keep these in a journal so you can refer back to them.
Doodle - let your mind wander free and let your creativity flow.
Grab a snack - this serves as a break, as well as a way to ensure you’re nourishing your body throughout the day.
Complete a mindfulness exercise - this really helps you slow down for a few minutes.
You’ll notice that we didn’t mention anything with technology. From our experience over the years, when you’re beginning the journey towards taking breaks throughout the day, it can be difficult to not fall into the void of social media or technology in general. Many times people will intend to take a 10 minute break, only to find that 60 minutes has passed. We recommend starting to build a system for taking breaks and building this habit by implementing non-tech related breaks first.
Breaks, if done right, are wonderful tools that can help you feel less stressed, more productive, and overall happier. As with every new habit and system you’re building, be kind to yourself.
Remember - despite what the Energizer Bunny portrays, going…and going…and going is no way to approach life. What steps will you take today to help find balance in your day?
