Do you sometimes feel guilty about taking multiple breaks throughout the day, when you already have a lot on your to-do list? Rest assured: You deserve your breaks! They are beneficial to your overall health and well-being.
Personally, I prefer to plan my day around breaks. That may seem like a novel idea to many, but scheduling what I really enjoy around my work and projects helps me to experience success on a given day.
Remember how much you enjoyed recess when you were in grade school?
Back in the day, when people asked what was my favorite subject, I’d include recess on my short list. I especially looked forward to double Dutch, tetherball, and dodgeball. I enjoyed most classroom activities, but visions of the next game would occasionally bounce through my mind. If I completed a worksheet early, I’d have time to invent a scheme for my team to outmaneuver our competition on the playground. And if it was raining, playing board games and jacks on the classroom floor were a welcomed diversion from the questions at the end of the civics textbook lesson.
Today, my to-do list may not resemble elementary school assignments, but my breaks are pleasurable departures nonetheless. And although recess looks totally different, the same principle applies. Now recess consists of activities that help me to stress less. Time to push back from the computer and step into my scheduled intermissions: Power walking in nature, creating a new recipe, calling a loved one, mastering yoga asanas, watching a great movie, reading an inspirational story, and more. Do you recall "Move & Groove to be More Productive," a previous post on boogie breaks? Dancing is a great recess!
I like to alternate my breaks throughout the week, and each break varies in length. For example, my daily spiritual practice and morning stretches generally take about twenty minutes, whereas my favorite weekly drama or documentary series may last an hour.
I am passionate about my business and spend a considerable amount of time each day in Lifestyle 120 activities. Business is a priority, but I wrap it around my essential time-out sessions. This way I can endure challenging tasks and ensure greater gratification. On rare occasions when there’s no space for breaks, I feel deprived and dissatisfied.
How many breaks do you need?
It depends on your daily schedule. If you are knee-deep in responsibilities, I’d recommend three to four. Breaks are vital to a balanced life. Determine your own guiltless recreational pursuits. And make sure they are enjoyable. The etymology of “recreation” suggests that you create again. We all need a period of renewal — a diversion from the usual day-to-day routine. And I suggest that a few of your regular pleasures include physical activity.
If you consciously frame your day with breaks, I believe you will enjoy your work more. It’s a conscious flip — a shift in perspective.
And now that I’m done sharing my view with you, that’s my cue for my new Pilates Ladder Barrel routine.
Consider This
Do you enjoy your work? If your work resembles play, then you get to play all day! Now that’s the ideal way to plan a great day.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Today set a loving intention to take multiple breaks each day.
• Begin by planning your work around your play.
• How will scheduling specific breaks throughout the day refresh you and set you up for greater success?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help devising a play schedule?
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In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.