Take a Break to De-Stress

It's a great idea to take a break if you find yourself under stress from work overload or going through ill health or a strained relationship. When your mind is crowded with lots of anxieties, you can't focus and make wise decisions. Your mental and emotional state will show through your appearance and your posture.

If you are one of those people who takes frequent sick days to get the break, it's not going to help much because at the back of your mind, they you feel guilty with the action. You'll still come back the next day feeling overwhelmed. Bosses and teammates are going to feel unhappy with your working attitude and that will add more work and social pressure.

It's best that you take a break by taking a few days or a week off to contemplate, sort your issues and find a solution to the problems that are causing you pain. During this break, think clearly and decide to handle things better the next time.

In order to avoid the situation where you can't handle your troubles, here are some practical and easy habits that you can do and develop to de-stress, clear your head and stay calm.

1. Take a nap during your lunchtime. A 30 minute catnap or siesta will work wonders to your body and mind. If you are self-employed, give yourself a break by doing something else to change your focus.
   
   
   
2. Stop whatever you are doing every now and then to take a few deep breathings. Sit up straight, breathe deeply through your nose from your stomach, hold it for a few seconds and then let go through your mouth. Repeat the exercise a few times.
   
   
   
3. Prioritize so that you can take control of your work and your life. Do the most important thing first so that you will feel more relaxed with your other tasks.
   
   
   
4. Become more assertive and learn to say "No" to unimportant and non-urgent matters.
   
   
   
5. Take a break by laughing more often. Humor and laughter will help change your state of mind and may help relieve pain.
   
   
   
6. Work out your troubles through exercise like walking, doing aerobics or jogging in the mornings or evenings. You will feel more vitalized throughout the day and will sleep better.
   
   
   
   
7. Stop or reduce your caffeine and nicotine intake. Both act like stimulants but are also harmful to your health.
   
   
   
8. Listen to your self talks and cancel those that are putting you down. If you start to notice them, you will hear yourself repeating negative words to put you down and make you feel bad.
   
   
   
9. Write down your activities, thoughts and emotions in a journal at the end of the day, week and month. It's one of the ways to review what you have been doing, saying and feeling and you can use journaling to make necessary changes and improve your life.
   
   
   
10. Have a sense of purpose in your life. Set a major goal that is very important to you. Remind yourself of this goal when you wake up in the morning, before you sleep and in between your day to help keep you going.
    
    
    
11. Take a break after your working hours by hanging around supportive people. Spend time with your family and spouse or other important people in your life.
    
    
    
12. Meditate and relax your body and mind at the end of your day. When you feel relaxed, you are able to view life positively and it is beneficial for your physical, mental and emotional health.

There are many other ways that you can think of and apply daily to stay productive, energized and happy. If you will practice some of the good habits regularly, you don't need to get away just to clear your mind.

Take a Break to Personal Growth Home