Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. ~Lao Tzu
It can be hard among over achiever types to take a break. With so much do to it can be hard to justify taking a break as well if things are starting to pile up. But short mental and physical breaks are important to do every day in order to maintain mental wellbeing and to help control stress, exhaustion and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Stopping to recharge the body and mind can dramatically help you be more productive, as it allows your mind to refocus and your body to regain some energy.
Here are 5 Ways to Give Yourself a Break During the Work Day
1) Connect With a Loved One
In Quill’s new blog post this week entitled, Top 5 unexpected ways to recharge during the daily hustle, they also mention connecting with a loved one. In can be a quick phone call to say ‘Hi’ and ‘I love you’. I love to chatting with my husband for a few minutes when things are stressful at the office. And checking in on my daughter too. It helps me to remember what is important in my life and that not everything revolves around work. Plus my husband always knows just what to say to help me feel better or grounded. Talking to a loved one or close friend will help take your mind off work for a little while, giving you time to decompress. Plus, hearing the voice of a loved one can trigger the release of endorphins, which increase focus and can make you feel more energized. You’ll go back to work happier, more connected, and refreshed.
2) Get Outside and Reconnect with Nature
Like that classic scene in the movie Pretty Woman with Richard Gere when he is outside walking barefoot in the grass, feel the ground or grass underneath your feet and focus on being present and enjoying your environment. Plus being stuck indoors with fluorescent lighting is not great for our overall health and well being. We need daylight and sunshine. Giving your brain a few minutes of exposure to natural daylight can help you feel more awake and refreshed, setting a perfect course to round out the rest of your workday. Plus, you’ll get some fresh air and maybe even a bit of exercise if you can add a 10 minute walk to being outdoors.
3) Play Some Music
Even if you work in a cubicle you can still play some music and wear headphones or one ear bud if you have to listen out for your phone. If you have an opportunity to sing along (without disturbing other coworkers) – do that as well! According to some studies, singing along to music stimulates the release of endorphins and oxytocin, both of which can make you feel elated and energized.
4) Make a Gratitude List
Writing down even a couple of things that you are grateful for at that very moment can help you to reframe your mood and stop you from heading down a negative spiral of self-judging or self-criticism if things appear to be going badly. Keep the list with you and as you think of things, add them to the list. Then when you feel overwhelmed, take out your gratitude list and read it. It can help you to feel better instantly.
5) Do a Task You Enjoy
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