Take a break – it’s more important than you’d think

For years, I’ve been very good at scheduling in “time off” – time designated to recovery and input rather than performance and output. But earlier this year, a nagging feeling crept up in me – did I really deserve these breaks? Hadn’t I just been working from home for a year and had barely any plans? Wasn’t there loads to catch up on?

I don’t know where this idea came from, that breaks had to be earned, but the feeling was strong. Slowly, I filled my calendar with more – more of everything – until one Friday evening, I burst into tears. Looking through my diary, I realised I hadn’t had a single evening (or even a three-hour time slot) without plans for almost three weeks. All my time was spoken for, and I hadn’t been speaking up for myself. I was burning out.

Luckily, I spotted the signs and was able to jump straight to the remedy: I slowed down, I gave myself breaks, and I focused on making my days more koselig.

The last two years have been challenging for all of us, and burnout is on the rise. If you’re starting to feel a little overwhelmed, overworked or over emotional, it might be time for you to schedule in a break too. Stopping burnout in its tracks can be as easy as taking a break (and then another, and then another).

So, how can you take a break?

Here are some ideas for koselig breaks that you can give yourself right now:

1. Take a bath – never underestimate the healing powers of hot water and bubbles.
2. Read a book – I bet you have a stack of books you’ve been wanting to read. Now is a great time to start one.
3. Call an old friend – not someone you should really have called a while ago, but someone you’d love to have a natter with.
4. Have a night in – cancel some plans, get a babysitter and stay in on your own for the evening. Mmmm… silence.
5. Invite someone over for a board game – koselig, relaxed and nothing to organise, board games are a lovely way to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
6. Go for a walk – look for a park, woods, fields, forests, etc. There’s a reason forest bathing is such a powerful activity. Being immersed in nature is a natural anti-stress remedy; it can lower your blood pressure, clear your mind and lift your mood.

Go on, take a break.

You deserve it. Always.

P.S. Have you heard of the Koselig magazine? It’s designed to give you a little break over the busy Christmas period. Take a look on Kickstarter!