If you’re like most people, your new year’s resolution probably included something along the lines of “work harder, be more productive and achieve more this year.” This all sounds great and it seems like a lot of people are putting that advice into practice. Goals are up, apps are being downloaded and books are being read again. We’re all on board with accomplishing more in less time! But there’s one thing that many people have overlooked when it comes to achieving their goals this year…taking breaks.
Why Taking Breaks are Important?
You might be thinking, “I’ll just work more and more, then I’ll be able to achieve more.” That’s not how it works. You cannot simply add more hours to your day and expect to be more productive. It doesn’t work like that. Instead, you’re more likely to accomplish less and have less energy throughout the day. Think about it. How many times have you been in the middle of doing something, maybe it’s work-related or maybe it’s a project at home, and then you get hit with a state of overwhelm or fatigue?
The Benefits of Taking Breaks
There are so many benefits to taking breaks throughout your day. For one, breaks help you recharge and refocus.
When you work continuously, you can get caught in a state of overwhelm, fatigue or even burnout.
There are also a ton of health benefits to taking breaks throughout the day. When you take breaks, you reduce your risk of stress-related diseases and you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease as well as certain cancers. You also reduce your risk of anxiety.
Strategies for Choosing the Right Breaks
There are a ton of different breaks that you can take throughout your day. Here are a few to get you started.
- Meditation – Meditation is such a great way to clear your head and help you refocus. If you choose to meditate, make sure you practice a type of meditation that is quiet and focuses on breathing.
- Yoga – If you’re someone who likes to get your blood pumping and get your heart rate up, yoga is a great way to do that in a short period of time.
- Watching – Watching movies helps us escape our everyday lives.
