For many of us, when life gets busy, our time to recharge is one of the first things to go. We become so inundated with deadlines and our hectic schedules that we let our times of rest fall away to make room for other tasks and responsibilities.
Not taking time to recharge can cause burnout, increased stress and lead you to struggle with your daily tasks. But with so many responsibilities and demands on our time, how can we make the most of the times we have to rest?
Here are five ways to maximize your breaks.
1. Do something you enjoy.
Hobbies can look different for everybody, whether it be reading a book, watching a movie, playing a sport or doing something crafty. Schedule times during your breaks for doing the things you enjoy, even if it’s only a few minutes a day. If you have longer breaks or can take days off, be intentional about getting away and doing the things you love.
2. Catch up.
While it may not necessarily be the most relaxing, find time during your breaks to catch up on tasks that may have fallen to the wayside. Set aside deliberate time to take care of your secondary responsibilities that can slip, like budgeting or household tasks. Allow yourself time to tend to those much-needed areas so you can more fully enjoy your time away.
3. Learn something new.
For many of us, when life gets busy, we fall into habits and routines. While many of them can be healthy, it’s important to take advantage of the time you have off to do something new, whether that be a new hobby, skill or development course. Take steps to improve your routine or explore new ways to structure your day when you return to your daily responsibilities.
4. Get ahead.
Use a portion of your extra time to look ahead, whether that be in planning out your coming weeks, scheduling appointments, mapping out your day or even getting started on an upcoming project. While it may not be relaxing at first, clearing up some of those unknowns and getting a head start on what’s to come will allow you to more fully enjoy your time off and be less stressed in the future.
5. Take time to rest.
While taking a break doesn’t always mean you have to sleep or do nothing, it is important to take time to rest on your breaks. Make sure you get enough sleep and set aside time to unplug by taking walks, praying or having some alone time. Practice not thinking about what you have to do next. Take time to just be in the moment and allow your mind to shut off.
Breaks are a great way to relax, catch up and get ahead on responsibilities. Find time in your schedule to prioritize rest, whether that be taking a few minutes a day or several days off. Use the time you have to refresh yourself and prepare for what’s to come, but most importantly, remember to let your mind rest and stay in the moment.