Taking A Break

Some recurring phrases this week…

I’m too busy to take a break.

There isn’t any time for me to pause in the day.

I’ve got a break in 2 weeks, I’ll slow down then.

I’ll switch off a few days into my break.

I need a break not to manage my time. 

I’ve got no energy because I need a break.

This can be a thinking trap that’s so easy to get stuck in.

The only way to recharge, relax, switch off and feel great is to have an extended period of time off.

If you’re very lucky that’s maybe 4 holidays a year. 

So, at 4 points throughout the year you’ll recharge, and at all other time you’re offering diminishing returns 📉 on a downward slope, clinging on…until your next break.

A holiday or a 5+ days block of time off is a macro level nudge (a big one you can only cash in a few times a year). 

A meso level nudge might be 
🌳 Getting out in nature
📴 Being uncontactable for a day or a few
👭 Meeting friends 
🎨 Doing an activity you enjoy (hobby)
🍽️ Dinner date with partner (no kids)

Micro level (micro breaks)
😮‍💨 Breath work 1-5mins of 6in:6out or 4:6s breathing 
🚶‍♂️ Going to the toilet next floor up without your phone 
😆 Laughing at work. Daily joke, a few mins fav comedy show at lunch 
✋🏻 Not booking back to back meetings
🏢 Take stairs last 2 floors to your floor at work
🗓️ Book in gaps in your diary
🎨 Colouring in book for 3-5mins 

There are literally hundreds of easy things which aren’t expensive or time consuming. 

These things aren’t going to stop you needing/wanting a break. 

Meso and micro level breaks are a bit like topping you phone up for a few minutes when the battery 🪫 is gone.

They’ll stop the battery dying and give you enough to keep going without a drop in performance, mood, energy and wellbeing. But won’t fully recharge you.

Everyone needs a break, so why not take one multiple times a day to keep your mind sharp and energy topped up.