Stressed? You may need to take a break.

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.

Many people will take frequent sick days to get the break. But it's not going to help much because at the back of their minds, they will feel guilty about their actions. They'll still come back the next day feeling overwhelmed. Bosses and teammates are going to feel unhappy with their working attitudes and that will add more pressures.

It's best that you take 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 clear your head and stay calm.

• Take a nap during your lunchtime.

• Stop whatever you are doing every now and then to take a few deep breathings.

• Take control over your work and your life.

• Learn to say "No".

• Laugh more often.

• Work out your troubles through exercise like walking, doing aerobics or jogging.

• Stop or reduce your caffeine and nicotine intake.

• Listen to your self-talks and shutting up those that are putting you down.

• Journal your activities and emotions.

• Have a sense of purpose in your life.

• Find and hang around supportive people.

• Meditate and relax your body and mind.

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

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