Taking a Break

At the end of July, it became abundantly clear that taking a break to recharge my batteries was greatly needed. I had been diligently toiling away, and the demands of speaking engagements, podcasting, looking after my grandbabies, and family issues had taken a toll on my energy. Yet, finding the time to take a break isn’t always a straightforward task. I mean, we can’t just hit the brakes, can we?

I distinctly remember a piece of advice I once gave myself as a young mother: “You can rest, but you can’t quit.” This simple yet profound mantra rescued my sanity on countless occasions. What I came to realize is that if I didn’t heed my body’s signals, I would risk burning out or, even worse, giving up altogether.

The same holds true for you, my friend. Our lives are incredibly busy, making it seem impossible to take a break. We mistakenly believe that everything will crumble if we stop. However, the opposite is true – neglecting to prioritize self-care and schedule breaks will ultimately lead to life falling apart.

When Taking a Break is Needed

Feeling the need to unplug and take a break is a common experience in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world.

Here are some signs that indicate it might be time to step back and disconnect, as well as what you can do to recharge: that you need a break to unplug:

Constant Fatigue: If you’re feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign that you need a break. Remember the body can only go for so long before it starts to break down.

Lack of Focus: When you find it challenging to concentrate on tasks, and your mind constantly wanders, it might be time to step away from screens. There is a reason why we struggle to focus sometimes.

Increased Stress: If stress and anxiety levels are consistently high, it’s a clear indication that you need to take a break.

Irritability: If you’re becoming easily irritable and finding it difficult to manage your emotions, it’s a sign that you might be overwhelmed.

Decreased Productivity: When your work or daily tasks start taking longer to complete, and your productivity declines, it’s time to recharge.

Neglecting Self-Care: If you’ve been neglecting self-care activities like exercise, a healthy diet, or spending time with loved ones, you need a break. Digital Addiction: If you can’t go more than a few minutes without checking your phone or other digital devices, it’s a sign you need to disconnect.

Enjoying a Break

Now that you have decided to take a break you want to focus on three things:

• Nature and Physical Activity: Spend time in nature, go for a walk, hike, or engage in physical activities that allow you to unplug and clear your mind.
• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep to restore your energy and cognitive function.
• Digital Detox: Designate specific periods of time (e.g., a weekend or a vacation) for a complete digital detox, during which you avoid electronic devices as much as possible.

Before stepping back into your busy life, make sure you think about how you felt during your break. Simply paying attention to how you feel will motivate you to schedule more downtime.

Benefits of taking a break

During your break, pay attention, calm your mind, renew your interests, and schedule in-person connections.

A calm mind and reduced stress. When we spend time away from the noise and hectic pace our mind and soul have time to wonder and to what the Lord has for you and your family.

Renewed interest in hobbies. Time focused on interests and hobbies that you enjoy will help you stay balanced.

Personal connections: Time spent with friends and family in person, fostering meaningful connections that can provide emotional support.

Taking a break improves your mental outlook and emotional well-being

Always remember that taking breaks and disconnecting is like a gentle embrace for your soul, nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. It has the power to bring back your focus, ease your stress, and enrich the tapestry of your life. So, my dear friend, trust your instincts, be kind to yourself, and don’t shy away from those precious moments of recharging when they call your name. God will use that downtime to renew your mind.