Americans say their mental health is declining, according to a recent Gallup poll. One potential reason is that few of us take time to recharge or even take a daily break. With today’s go-go mindset, finding time to relax each day can be challenging. Here are a few reasons why taking a break is so important.
It's Good for Your Brain
Deadlines are looming, work is piling up, and you don’t know how you’re going to get it all done. Instead of trying to power through, step away from the work. It may seem counterintuitive, but shutting down allows your brain to disengage from the tasks at hand and rest. That much-needed time to recharge will allow you to come back refocused, refreshed, and ready to tackle the tasks at hand — often more effectively than if you had tried to power through.
Your Physical and Mental Health Are Worth It
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which can trigger a positive feeling. They also can diminish the perception of pain, resulting in a more positive mood. Research also shows that physical activity can strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, and increase your energy level. In addition, exercise has been proven to help with depression. Taking a few minutes to recharge by exercising — even if it’s a short walk — can improve both your mental and physical health.
Breaks Prevent Burnout
Burnout can affect you physically and mentally and can make it difficult to fulfill your daily responsibilities. And it can happen when you’re not taking time to recharge. According to executive and leadership coach Caroline Kim Oh, low energy may indicate burnout. Take a break to ensure you’ll have the energy to get through the day and prevent eventual burnout.
Boundaries Are Important
With hybrid and remote work schedules, many people find there is no separation between their personal and professional lives. By taking a consistent lunch break or fully shutting down at the end of the business day, you can set a firm boundary that ensures work-life balance — for yourself and others. Setting boundaries is healthy and can help provide the space to recharge.
You Are the Priority
Often we are so busy supporting and helping everyone else that we forget to do the same for ourselves. Taking time for yourself every day — whether that means enjoying a cup of coffee alone in the morning, taking a walk at lunch, or reading a book before bed — ensures you continue to treat yourself as a priority. The sage advice rings true: we can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves. Give yourself some time each day to do the things that bring you peace and happiness and energize you.
Just few minutes can make all the difference. Taking a short break to relax, even for just five minutes, can improve your mood, attention, and performance. Knowing there are real benefits of a daily recharge, consider ways to make it happen. Soon, you’ll may find you’re becoming a more effective, productive, and happier you.
ON TOPIC
Taking a vacation is ideal when you’re feeling overly stressed or burned out, but it’s not always an option. So how can you recharge when an actual vacation isn’t in the cards? Here are a few ways to find relief.
Take a day off. Take advantage of a slow or at least minimally scheduled workday. Even a single day off is better than no break at all. Unplug for the day and do something that will invigorate you. Whether it’s taking in a museum exhibit, tending to your garden, going for a hike or a drive, or spending time with family and friends, make the day yours.
Enjoy a change of scenery. Because we are context dependent, our environments signal particular attitudes and behaviors that we can often adjust. If a negative attitude sets in when you see a cluttered desk, you can make some simple, changes. You might switch the wallpaper on your screen or swap out photos, plants, or sentimental items on your desk. For a fresh perspective, reposition your furniture or even relocate your workspace.
Draw a line. Today’s global economy has many of us collaborating in multiple time zones. That’s said, it’s not reasonable to be accessible 24/7. Make an effort to put the phone away and resist the temptation to check email during the evening. Focus instead on your personal life and the things that elicit positive energy.
It's easy to get caught up in the hectic pace and stressors of the job, but you’ll find yourself more patient and productive if you regularly recharge.
