Taking a break is definitely harder than it sounds! With the hustle and bustle of life, pressure at school and stress with work, it can be hard to remember to take time for ourselves. But fear not, we’ve gathered the best of the best tips on how to take a break!
1. Mindfulness
Do we ever really stop and take in what’s actually around us? By focusing on the present moment, we begin reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience, becoming more aware of our thoughts and feelings as they happen. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of the carpet beneath our feet or of a banister as we walk upstairs.
2. Get outside
With mindfulness in mind
Inhale some fresh air, feel the wind, look at the flowers, watch the birds. A change of scenery away from stale office air can make all the difference to how you’re feeling. Step away from the desk!
3. Exercise
I don’t know about you, but hearing the word exercise can feel a little daunting sometimes. Fortunately, there are lots of different ways to get your regular dose of body movement.
Some people like to go for a run, take a dip in the pool, or play their favorite sport. Others like to go to the gym (but you don’t have to go to the gym, you could do some work-outs at home!) go hiking or get flexible with some yoga.
Dance (in front of your bedroom mirror is fine!), do some star jumps or just take a walk, anything to get your body moving. Exercise releases endorphins, which are those feel good chemicals that make you happy. You’d be surprised how a little exercise goes a long way!
4. Switch off from technology
In a digital world where social media has become a part of our daily routine, this one can be super challenging. But sometimes it’s refreshing to just digitally switch off.
Close your tabs (this is so satisfying), shut your laptop, turn off your phone (but don’t let people get worried, make sure they know you’re okay first!) and live in the moment, enjoy the world around you.
5. The power of the nap
Sometimes a quick power nap (20 minutes are recommended) is enough to help us feel re-energized and alert. But be careful when it comes to napping, too much or too little could negatively affect your mood and sleep schedule. Setting an alarm usually helps! Click here for more info on the secret to napping.
6. Do something you enjoy!
Whether that’s reading, playing games, getting artsy, Netflix and chilling, or listening to some music, doing something we enjoy is a great way to take a break, nourish the mind and encourage us to feel happier!
Remember, we don’t have to do everything all of the time. Sometimes we’ve just got to stop, take a breath and start again.
We’re not robots or machines programmed to work 24/7, we’re humans who need time to recover and recuperate. Taking a break is so very important for our mental health and well-being just as it is for our physical health. Over exert ourselves and we can feel burnt out. Taking a break refreshes the mind and replenishes your mental resources.
