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.
