If you’ve been following my content, you might have noticed that I haven’t posted a new video or blog in a little while. That’s because I needed something we all need from time to time: a break—a rest, a reset. Life can get overwhelming, even for an academic coach like me. I realized I wasn’t practicing what I preach, so I decided to step back, recharge, and come back stronger.
That time off made such a difference in how I feel and work. It reminded me how important breaks are for everyone—whether you’re a student, a professional, or just juggling the everyday hustle. So, I want to share why taking a break matters and how to use it as a powerful tool for your success.
The Science of Taking Breaks
Ever feel like you’ve hit a wall when working or studying? That’s your brain telling you it’s time for a break. Research shows that stepping away from your work for even a short period can recharge your mind and improve focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
When you try to push through without stopping, your productivity and efficiency actually decline. Taking breaks isn’t wasting time—it’s investing in better results when you come back.
Types of Breaks to Try
Not all breaks are created equal. Depending on what you need, different types of breaks can help you recharge in specific ways:
- Physical breaks: Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk. Moving your body helps boost circulation and energy levels.
- Mental breaks: Give your brain a rest from intense thinking by doing something simple or meditative.
- Social breaks: Take a few minutes to chat with a friend or colleague—it’s amazing how refreshing a good conversation can be.
- Creative breaks: Engage in something fun or artistic, like doodling or playing music, to reset your perspective.
Each type of break recharges a different part of you. Think of them as tools in your productivity toolbox!
Common Myths About Taking Breaks
There are a lot of misconceptions about breaks, and I’ve fallen into some of these traps myself:
- “Breaks are lazy.” Nope! Breaks are what make hard work sustainable.
- “I don’t have time for breaks.” Actually, not taking breaks can make tasks take longer because your focus and energy wane.
- “I have to completely stop everything.” Even short pauses—like stepping away for 5-10 minutes—can make a big difference.
Taking a break isn’t about avoiding work; it’s about improving the quality of the work you do when you come back.
Practical Tips for Taking Breaks
So, how can you make breaks part of your routine? Here are a few simple ideas:
- Try the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It’s a great way to stay focused while making regular time to recharge. Check out this video I made on how to use the Pomodoro Technique even more effectively.
- Go for a quick walk: Movement clears your mind and boosts your energy. Bonus points if you can get outside for fresh air!
- Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or a short meditation can help reset your focus.
- Set boundaries: Block out specific times in your schedule to pause and step away from your tasks.
Why Breaks Are Worth It
Taking a break isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re working smarter, not harder. When you allow yourself to rest and recharge, you’ll come back with more clarity, creativity, and motivation to tackle your goals.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, give yourself permission to take a step back. You deserve it. Trust me—it’s worth it.
Resources on Taking Breaks and Rest
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the importance of rest and challenging societal norms about productivity, here are two powerful books I recommend:
- Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
This book is a transformative call to rethink rest as a radical act of self-care and resistance against hustle culture. Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, challenges us to slow down, prioritize rest, and reclaim our humanity. - Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price
In this eye-opening book, Devon Price dismantles the myth of laziness and explores how societal pressures to constantly be productive harm our mental health. It’s a compassionate guide to embracing rest and redefining success on your own terms.
These resources will inspire you to view breaks not as something you need to “earn” but as something you inherently deserve.
If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who might need a reminder to take a breather. Until next time—take care of yourself, and don’t forget to take that break!