To-do lists, results, deadlines - sound familiar? That’s your average workday in a nutshell. Regardless of the kind of work you do, being a professional is hardly as simple as it seems. Ever wondered why? Well, the answer is as straightforward as it is forgettable - we’re people first, professionals later. (Although the latter may feel truer most of the time.) With days blurring into each other, the pursuit of success understandably feels never-ending. And because the world we live in is in constant motion, we feel the need to Pause at Work.
So, here’s our burning question for you – when was the last time you really caught your breath?
If the answer is ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I can’t recall’ then you should definitely read on.
Hitting the breaks at work and why you should do it regularly Building a career while competition is at a constant all-time high is no easy feat. Top that off with the fast-paced culture we’re currently experiencing and you’ve got a recipe for…burnout. And that’s definitely not the secret sauce for the success everyone’s looking for. A state of constant emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, burnout isn’t a mere feeling of tiredness at the end of the day. In fact, as per Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report in 2023, employee stress levels are at a record all-time high worldwide. Sounds like the right time for change, doesn’t it?
The world we live in often mistakes overworking for efficiency. But look at the big picture, can ticking off an item on your to-do list be more important than your mental health and well-being? Because feeling overwhelmed and stressed out isn’t the way to go.
Being your best self at work boils down to your everyday routine. And the key to maintaining focus and enhanced productivity levels lies in giving your mind rest, i.e., taking a break. It’s what will ensure that you are recharged, refocused, and ready to take on the rest of your tasks with ease and without compromising your work-life balance.
Breaking Better: How do you do it?
Because apparently, there’s a right way to do it.
It’s important to understand that our brains were not designed to be working for countless hours continuously. ‘Powering through’ does no good for our minds or bodies. According to a PLOS One-published study, micro-breaks are extremely beneficial and rejuvenating for our overall health, especially when it comes to stress relief. Making it an easy and digestible way to give your mind the break it’s been asking for.
Energy, after all, is an exhaustible resource. (Even though it may seem like the opposite sometimes.) So, whether you decide to cook yourself a nice meal instead of skipping your lunch, take a 10-minute power nap or take your time making your cup of coffee, there’s no shame in optimising your downtime in a way that helps you get through the day. But remember, these activities must also be unrelated to your job to prevent burnout in the long run– because thinking about work is still work.
The practice of mindfully adding microbreaks throughout your day isn’t another productivity hack, it’s a holistic approach to living better. It’s a strong reminder that taking a moment is just as important as the pursuit of success. Because life shouldn’t be all about the hustle and self-care shouldn’t be the price you have to pay for success.
Psst! This blog was made with💚 and created after some thought by a real person.#NoGenerativeAI
