Busy running errands? Managing work, home, and the other million things you do every day? When you’re overwhelmed with work it might seem impossible to devote time on your wellbeing. What with the constant juggling, adding a ‘me time’ break to an already overflowing schedule might be too much to manage. And sometimes all we want to do it just get on with what we’re doing rather than break for a few minutes. Well, even if you’re not up to it, it’s important that take designated ‘me time’ breaks. After all self-care begins with taking a breather to recharge and rejuvenate. So, when your schedule is choc-a-block, try some of these tips to take a break.
Add Micro Breaks
Micro break taken every time you start a new task is a great way to mentally shutdown for a while. It can be for a few seconds to a few minutes a day. Switch-off before or after lunch. Wake up a few minutes earlier than usual to spend some quiet alone time. Make your tea time a non-compromise alone time to reflect or stay in the car a little while longer before you step out. You can take micro-breaks many times a day. Listen to music if that will help you relax or do nothing, just sit back and breathe deeply.
Take Pre-Planned Weekly Breaks
Other than your daily micro ‘me time’ breaks make a weekly plan for a few hours. During those two to three hours per week make sure you do something that will help you relax. From playing with your pet to going for a walk or connecting with friends, you could choose to do any fun activity that will help you reset and recharge. When you’re stressed it can take a while to really start to relax. So, knowing that you’re setting aside some self-care breaks every week will help you get through your routine with ease.
Make Sleep a Priority
Not getting enough shut-eye is one of the most common problems we face. While getting the necessary seven to eight hours can become difficult sometimes, prioritising your sleep will make you plan your day based on it. Napping is also good to recharge and when you’re familiar with your routine it becomes easier to plan ahead for a nap session. Create a chart for an ideal day with enough night-time sleep and slowly start incorporating that into your daily schedule. While there might be more misses than hits on most days, prioritizing sleep will help you schedule what’s important and stick to it.
Shut Down at the End of the Day
Do this literally. Shut down the computer or put down things you’ve been working with. Get out of your workspace if you work from home. Just do something that signals the end of your day. Be it going for a walk or sitting in front of the television, do the things that tells your mind you’ve finished for the day. This will help you to completely shut out your work and get you into the relaxation mode right away.
Daydream to Relax
What you do during your ‘me time’ breaks matter. While doing a particular activity would be an ideal way to refresh and recharge you can also spend time day-dreaming to take your mind off completely from the daily humdrum. Take a virtual vacation or meditate if that works for you. But nothing works better than completely cutting-off every line of thought for a few minutes every day.
From taking a twenty-minute recess every day to scheduling a monthly ‘me time’ break, there are many things you can try to make self-care a part of your busy day routine. While the easiest way to start is by taking multiple mini breaks, planning ahead for longer breaks can help prioritise your tasks and ensure that you get enough shut-eye at the end of the day.