LGR Holistic Wellness

When you are busy with work or responsibilities, you might find it impossible to have time for breaks. ‘Rest is for the weak!’ Is this one of your favorite sayings? Unfortunately, not taking a break exposes you to the risk of chronic stress, which can result in burnout.

The Importance and Benefits of Taking Breaks

You must take breaks to prevent burnout. Your health and wellbeing, motivation, and productivity all count on it.

Here are some of the benefits.

Reduces Stress

This is a major benefit and super important. If you do not reduce your stress levels your whole body suffers! Taking a break removes you from stressful situations so it reduces feelings of being overwhelmed.

When you take a break you are giving yourself space from everyone and everything around you, so you feel less stressed and allow yourself to relax and recharge. Taking breaks allows your body to rest and recover from stress physically and mentally.

Improves Your Mood

When you are rested and recharged, you cannot help but get into a better mood. So it is important to break up your routine. Depending on what you are doing, for example, you may be at a workplace, take a break outside if possible. The outdoor air will make you feel alive, rather than stuck in a cramped air-conditioned office.

If you are at home do the same thing! Take yourself outside into the fresh air and do something else for a while. Doing so allows you to take your mind off whatever you were doing, even if for only a few minutes. You may still be thinking about your tasks, but you are not doing them. Close your eyes, take a breath, and breathe! Then go back refreshed.

Clearer Thinking and Improved Memory

Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed, you cannot think as clearly? Maybe you forget things and find it hard to concentrate too. Taking a break is necessary to refresh your mind, which will help improve your thinking and memory. It can also increase your creativity, learning, and productivity.

Reduces Feelings of Tiredness and Fatigue

If you keep pushing yourself to complete tasks one after another without taking a break, it can deplete your energy fast and cause fatigue. It can affect your focus and ability to concentrate. So, it is important to have frequent breaks to restore your energy and reduce fatigue.

Increases Your Productivity

Sometimes you might feel that taking breaks only sets you back with your tasks, delaying you from finishing them. However, that is not the case. On the contrary, you will increase your productivity when you give yourself time to rest and refresh your mind.

Breaks will boost your creativity which leads to better performance. Plus, another added benefit is that when you know you are going well with your work and other responsibilities, you do not feel as stressed, and this will help you avoid burnout too.

Improved Physical Health

Avoiding burnout requires taking care of your physical health. Taking breaks allows you to stretch, get moving, and rest.

When you are physically fit, you have more energy and strength to tackle your tasks, reducing your stress and anxiety levels.

Restores Your Motivation

Taking breaks helps to restore your motivation because when you just work continuously for a prolonged time, your energy and motivation are quickly drained. When you take a break, you return more invigorated and able to think more clearly. You may come up with a more creative and effective approach to your work project too!

Tips for Taking Breaks to Prevent Burnout

Okay, so we have said breaks are important, but how do you incorporate frequent breaks into your routine when you already feel overwhelmed? Here are a few tips you may find helpful.

• Go Outside and Get Some Fresh Air – As mentioned above, step outside and take a walk to get some fresh air. If you are working in the office, get outside the building. If you are at home, go for a walk in your garden or around your block.
• Take a Power Nap – Quick power naps are great for recharging. Take a 15-30 minute nap and you may be amazed at how energized it makes you feel. You will be ready to tackle your tasks even faster!
• Do Not Eat At Your Computer – Instead of eating your food while working, eat away from your work desk. Food will refuel your energy and help you focus and concentrate, but give yourself time away from work while you eat, and gain the benefits two-fold!

In Summary

Despite the busy life you may be living, it is super important to take frequent breaks so you do not burn out. Taking breaks prevents stress and burnout because it allows you to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Remember to take breaks every single day!