All through school, college, and different stages of grouping up, the need to work hard, stay on our toes, and always be on top of our game is constantly drilled into us. In reality, however, does it really work that way? Can we always stay on top of our game, no matter what, without taking a break or a vacation?

All through school, college, and different stages of grouping up, the need to work hard, stay on our toes, and always be on top of our game is constantly drilled into us. In reality, however, does it really work that way? Can we always stay on top of our game, no matter what, without taking a break or a vacation?

  •  For the longest time, working long hours has been considered synonymous with working harder
  • We have unnecessarily glorified the ‘hustle’ mindset. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am all for hustling, but not at the cost of one’s mental health
  • There is guilt associated with the concept of taking breaks. From school until we have jobs, get married, and become parents, society constantly pressures us to move to the next step. There is never a question of, “how are you feeling?”

Contrary to popular belief, you are not losing or wasting time this way; instead, you are giving your brain the time and space to detach and look at the same things from multiple perspectives. This can be vital in spotting the issues that are often taken for granted and, as a result, slip through the gaps.

That said, it may not always be easy to take a break, especially when you have been living your life by the ‘hustle’ mentality. So, what is Plan B here?

●    Start saying ‘No.’ Turning down work requests is hard for many of us, but if you have been consistently working late due to last-moment requirements, you need to find an assertive way to turn down requirements. You can complete the assignment on the next business day instead.

●    Communicate with your team. You might be surprised to find how supportive your co-workers and bosses can be once they find out that you’re struggling. Speak up instead of waiting for miracles, and you might just watch them happen.

●    If it is working from home that is making it harder to take a break, then pull out your calendar and mark one day a week from now and tell yourself that it will be a self-care day. No chores. No office work. Just time to unwind and chill.

Taking timely breaks helps your body and mind feel valued. You appreciate them; hence you take the time to give them some breathing space—not just enough to complete chores or catch a nap, but enough to let them rest and recuperate.

Scheduling and taking regular breaks have proven benefits like improved creativity, increased focus and productivity, fresh perspectives, and a healthier you. Go ahead and schedule that vacation you have always wanted to take. However, if you cannot plan a vacation or stay away from home, go ahead and plan a break. You could:

  • Meditate
  • Sit with a book and a mug of coffee
  • Go for a hike
  • Spend time at a nearby animal shelter
  • Watch a movie
  • Make sure to catch the sunrise and/or sunset
  • Go for a long walk, ride or drive

In a nutshell, breathe in some fresh air and de-stress. When it comes to taking a break, it needs to be done before you feel fatigued. Waiting to reach the brink of burnout to take a break is like waiting to refuel your car when the engine is dead. Learn it and try it now.

What do you do to rejuvenate your mind and body? Drop your thoughts in the comments.