What Would Happen if Taking Breaks Was Your Top Priority?

We all know taking breaks is good for us. And yet, many of us rarely take them. 

The Benefits of Taking Breaks

The benefits of taking regular breaks throughout your day are well documented.

Breaks are good for your body – they are a chance to move and stretch, and if you work at a computer, avoid headaches and eye strain. Breaks are an opportunity for a brief social interaction, a chance to boost someone else's day if not your own. Breaks are beneficial for the mind, helping you rest and recharge. 

We know this, but taking breaks is difficult, and many skip them altogether. 

Why We Don't Take Breaks

There are lots of reasons why we don't take breaks. 

Sometimes, it is because we are in a state of flow and don't want to stop – flow feels good. More often, though, guilt is associated with taking a break – especially if everyone around you is skipping them.

Taking breaks is a habit – if you don't repeat the practice, you lose the habit. If you start skipping breaks, you'll never take them. 

Ultimately, breaks are not a priority.

What Would Happen if Breaks Were a Priority?

But what if breaks were a priority? What if you scheduled your breaks in your calendar before anything else? 

You know what would happen: you'd feel better and happier, focus harder, and be more creative. You might work less, but you'd produce more, and the quality would be better. 

Who doesn't want that? 

How to Make Breaks a Priority

Weekly planning is the key to making breaks a priority. Include scheduling rest – that's what a break is – in your weekly review process. A weekly review involves reflecting on the week but also looking ahead to the coming week – at this point, you can plan your breaks and other wellbeing activities such as exercise. 

Read more about the weekly review process here...

If you start to ignore your planned breaks, even though they are on your calendar, think about them as a leisure activity (you are less likely to skip them) or meet up with a colleague (in person or online) – everyone can benefit from a "break buddy".

Just Try...

Just try it. Start small. Schedule your breaks first, honour them, and see what happens.