12 Ways to Give Yourself a Break
We live in a fast-paced world where everyone works like machines to keep things running. But the problem is, humans aren’t machines.
No matter how one wants to keep working just to survive, we’re bound by physical, mental, and emotional limits. In this endeavor, we tend to forget this which can result in a variety of problems.
Everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy, and stress-free life. In order for that to happen, we must allow ourselves some break time-to-time. Find out what these wonderful ways are below!
Physically
1. Nap and extra sleeping hours
During mid-day, if you feel tired, just take a 30 minute nap. Even at night, there’s nothing wrong with breaking the schedule by going to bed early to take benefit from extra sleeping hours.
2. Get a massage
Aside from relaxation, massages reduce anxiety, fight depression, and boost your immune system. You can go to a massage parlor or trade massages with somebody you love.
3. Take a long hot bath
Are your muscles and joints weary? Turn the hot water on in your tub for a steaming and relaxing bubble bath. If unavailable, visit a hot spring or a local jacuzzi. A sauna is also a good way to relax your muscles and remove bodily toxins.
4. Let loose with your fitness decisions
Skip a gym session from time-to-time if you exercise daily. Choose the escalator or elevator when scaling multiple floors in a building. There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy once in a while.
Mentally
5. Daydream
They say that daydreaming is counterproductive. No, it isn’t. It can actually help you get more creative and productive. Your problem-solving skills are enhanced once you take a quick reset.
6. Walk a new route
One way to boost your productivity is by changing the input of how your brain normally does by routine. This way you can pay attention to new things and take up inspiration from places you don’t normally pass-through.
7. Let out your inner performer
Dancing or singing in the middle of a task and during breaks frees your inhibitions. Nothing feels better than doing something both spontaneous and random in one moment. When you’re back in your busy state, you wouldn’t even notice what happened before, all you know is that you feel good!
8. Indulge in a guilty pleasure
Guilty pleasures as stress-coping mechanisms aren’t as unhealthy as life coaches say they are. As long as they’re done seldomly and in moderation, they can be a healthy technique of getting a mental break. Shopping and eating comfort food are as good as a trip to your psychotherapist.
Emotionally
9. Take a day off from emotionally-draining people
It can be of great help to others when you listen to their problems. But do this frequently and you’re bound to develop the same problems yourself. Know your limits and spend some time on your own for emotional tranquility.
Read more: How to Make Self-Care a Priority for 2020
10. Count your successes
Be proud of yourself and let go of your personal negativities such as self-dissatisfaction. List down all the good things you’ve done and done well. Forget your failures or treat them as lessons.
11. Release your emotions metaphorically
Angry? Anxious? Afraid? Make a note of them and state the reason why. Read them carefully again and again while you reflect. After that, toss it into the fire or throw it out. You’ll realize it was absurd to foster these emotions and you don’t need them anymore.
12. Replace your past regrets with future dreams
What was done can no longer be undone. There is no point in burdening yourself emotionally by regretting the past. What you can do, however, is to be thankful for what you have today. And while you’re at it, set some ambitions and plan to make that future happen.
Giving yourself a break involves three simple and common techniques: To reset your mind, rest your body, and divert your emotions. Once you’re able to incorporate these processes into your daily life, you put yourself a mile-ahead of others who don’t know these techniques.