Everyone needs to give themselves a bit of a break from time to time. The fact of the matter is that there is only so much time that you can spend on things like work and the other responsibilities in your life before you need to step away and take some time for yourself.
Generally speaking, giving yourself a break is a great way to look after your mental health. This is especially true if your profession results in people being prone to burnout or higher than average stress levels. If left unchecked, stress, even that which can arise from normal day-to-day life, can lead to anxiety or other mental health conditions.
There are different ways in which you can give yourself the break that you need. You should opt for something that is enjoyable for you and that allows you to mentally check out for a little while. Here are some of the best ways to accomplish just that so you can enjoy a little break from time to time.
Treat Yourself
While engaging in retail therapy on a routine basis might not be the best way to go, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while. Depending on your personal preferences, treating yourself might be as simple as perusing some designer bags to find one that you like and will get use from or taking an hour to get a massage.
Whatever your idea of treating yourself might be, make sure to schedule out some time in your week just for you. An hour here and there treating yourself can make all the difference, especially when your weeks are generally spent taking care of everyone else.
Unplug
Even though treating yourself might be one of the best ways to give yourself a break, you might not have enough time or energy each week to go shopping or head to the salon for a pedicure. Thankfully, there are still plenty of ways in which you can give yourself the break you need.
One such way is to simply set aside some time at home to unplug. Turn off your work computer and put your phone on silent for an hour or two. You might even want to turn the TV off for a while as well. A bit of time free from screens can have multiple benefits, including reducing your stress levels.
If possible, schedule your unplugged time close to bedtime. You will find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night if you give your eyes a break from the blue light emitted by screens in the hour leading up to bedtime.
Get Away
While this isn’t typically something that can be worked into your weekly routine, a mini-vacation every couple of months can really provide you with the break that you need. Even if you can only get out of town for the weekend, doing so can help you return to your regular responsibilities feeling refreshed and recharged.