You’re feeling burnt out from work and you need a break. But you feel guilty because you think you should be working harder.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. And it’s perfectly okay to take a mental break from work, as long as you do it the right way.
In this post, we will show you how to take a mental break from work without feeling guilty. We will also provide some tips for making sure you’re productive when you return.
Define what a mental break is
Before you can take a mental break, you need to first define what that means for you.
Is it stepping away from your computer to take a walk around the office building? Is it spending time with your loved ones? Is it catching up on some sleep?
Figuring out what relaxes and rejuvenates you is key to creating a successful mental break. Once you know what that is, carve out some time each day—or week—to do just that. And, don’t feel guilty about it!
Create a plan for your mental break
It can be tough to take a mental break from work when you’re feeling swamped with work. After all, you might feel like you’re just slacking off if you’re not working. But the truth is, your brain needs time to rest and recharge to be productive.
So how can you take a mental break from work without feeling guilty? First, create a plan. Decide when and how long you’re going to take your break. Then, let your boss know your plans. They may be more understanding than you think, especially if they can see that you’re struggling.
Finally, make sure to unplug while you’re on your break. Turn off your phone and laptop, and find something that relaxes you—whether it’s gaming, taking a walk, or spending time learning something new.
Determine how long your mental break should be
How long should your mental break be? That’s totally up to you. Some people might need just 10 minutes to clear their heads, while others might want to take a full day or even a weekend to reboot.
Ideally, you should use your break as an opportunity to recharge. Catch up on some sleep, read a book, take a walk outside, or just relax and watch some Netflix. Anything that will help you rejuvenate and re-energize.
Be honest with yourself. If you’re not feeling mentally or emotionally refreshed after your break, you’re not taking enough time off. And that’s alright—just be sure to adjust your break time accordingly the next time around.
The last thing you want to do is feel guilty for taking a break. You need it, so don’t let anyone mislead you into thinking otherwise. And if your boss gives you a hard time about it, share with them that you’re more productive when you’re well-rested. It’s only human to feel overwhelmed and overworked. So go ahead and recharge yourself and come back feeling better. Happy mental break-taking!