TAKE A BREAK

     So often, we know inside ourselves that we need a
break. That break might be a full-fledged vacation or a
weekend getaway. Either way, getting out of the daily grind
can be amazingly liberating and a huge way to get rid of
stress and anxiety.
     Unfortunately, many people think they can’t take the
time to get away. This is toxic thinking. Get out and get
away!
How many times have you continued working, knowing
that you are not giving 100% to the task at hand? How
many times have you read or written the same sentence
over and over again, as your mind keeps wandering and
thinking about other things? How often have you wanted to
take a break from the family or kids but feared the
consequences of doing so? It’s time for a break!
     Why do we not allow ourselves the time to take a ‘time
out’? Perhaps we feel like we don’t deserve it or that there’s
just too much to be done. There are many genuine reasons
for needing to complete jobs and tasks; however we may
also on occasion have ‘hidden agendas’ as to why we cannot
stop for a break. Why?
It could be ego. Some people simply enjoy boasting
about, ‘how late they had to work in order to complete a
project’ or ‘how much effort they invested in order to
complete the job so quickly’. This type of person is often
looking to impress others with their efforts, thereby
increasing their ego in the process.
     Maybe you think you just can’t take the time off. "I
can’t stop; I just have to get this finished". Does this sound
familiar? "I can’t stop because the job has to be finished,
WHY? So I can move straight on to the next thing, and the
next, and the next etc…" This person will find that there is
always something that has to be done, which will constantly
prevent him/her from taking a break.
Maybe you just feel like you need to be needed. A
mother managing the household, kids and other chores may
feel as if her household will collapse if she were to put her
feet up or take a weekend off! By not taking a break she can
keep convincing herself that her role is crucial and the family
would collapse without her input. This may indeed be true,
but is still not a good enough reason to prevent her having a
rest!
     Get rid of that thinking! You can get some amazing
benefits just by taking a little time for yourself! Allowing
your mind and/or body to rest can help re-focus your
attention, sharpen your wits and increase motivation. In
addition, taking time out helps to relieve stress, can aid the
recovery of tired muscles and also promotes the discovery
that there is more to life than just work.
Many athletes will tell you that an important part of
their training routine is rest. Muscles need time to repair
after a workout. Remember that your brain is a type of
muscle as well. It needs time to rest and recuperate in
order to perform at its best. By giving your brain time off,
you’ll be able to better concentrate and give tasks you once
found difficult your full attention. They’ll be easier, believe
me!
     So you’ve decided that a break is in order. Good for
you! A break can be anything from a 10-minute meditation
session to a trip around the world, and anything in-between.
I think a break should be something that takes your mind off
of a preoccupation with the everyday tedium of life.
So depending on the time you wish to avail towards
relaxing you may enjoy reading, watching a movie, cooking,
playing with the kids, riding a motorbike or driving,
exercising or doing sports, traveling or simply sleeping!
While you are taking this rest, above all, allow yourself
the time to do it and don’t feel guilty about. You will gain so
very much by this time off, so enjoy the time you are giving
yourself.
     Life will go on without you and contrary to what your
mind might be telling you, everyone will survive – even
when you’re not there! Let everything go and concentrate
on YOU for once instead of everyone around you!
If you’re feeling tired, unmotivated or just in need of a
rest, don’t be a martyr or look negatively at this. You may
actually find that in reality, allowing yourself a break will
actually help you ultimately become more efficient and
effective in every part of your life. Plus you’ll get the badly
needed recharging of your “batteries” that you need and
sorely deserve!
     Work can probably be one of the most stressful places
to be. You might think that none of these techniques can
help you when you’re around your co-workers. You couldn’t
be more wrong.