Remember when we were kids and played sudden catch or shot go or any of those running games we would just say “Time please” when we got tried and then say “over” and restart the game. It was that simple. Not waiting till the last moment to say “time please”, taking a short break and going back to the game. We didn’t have to think too much about it.

Now, as adults we keep saying:

“I need a break.”

“I can’t just catch a break.”

“Can I take a break now?”

But still we think so much before actually deciding to take a break. Why is it so? What conditioned us for that? At which point did break become a bad thing? When did we start associating taking a break with stopping completely, with losing?

It just happened.

The truth is:

EVERYONE NEEDS A BREAK once in a while.

Taking break is a good thing.

Breaking a pattern is a good thing.

What is more important is to understand that taking a break is like a comma and not a full stop. And sometimes taking a break gives you a better perspective, a direction.

Things you might need a break from

1. Routine.
2. Toxic people.
3. Damaging patterns.
4. Mindless living.
5. Monotonous life.
6. Sleepless nights.
7. Work.

Things to do when you want to take a break

1. Sit and do nothing.
2. Read a book.
3. Take a walk.
4. Go out and take pictures of nature.
5. Unplug.
6. Do breathing exercises.
7. Journal.
8. Meditate.
9. Learn a new skill.
10. Create something (draw, colour, build)
11. Play a game.
12. Go for a run.
13. Try a new exercise.
14. Sit and eat a meal with no distractions.
15. Prepare and drink a cup of tea/ coffee.
16. Try a calming bath.
17. Listen to music without doing anything else.
18. Watch a movie you’ve been thinking about.
19. Declutter your space.
20. Take an afternoon nap.
21. Give yourself a full day without financial worries.
22. Watch the clouds.
23. Plan unproductive downtime.

Signs that you need a break

1. You can’t sleep.
2. You feel restless.
3. You feel listless.
4. There’s a change in you eating habits (Eating too little/ too much.)
5. Lack of motivation.
6. You feel low on energy all the time.
7. You have problem concentrating.
8. You can’t enjoy things that you actually like.

Remember, it is okay to take a break, recharge yourself and be back with more energy.

Do I need a break? What from?

When you have this question, the answer to it is mostly going to be yes. Why do I say so? Because my friend, if you’re thinking about taking a break, chances are you are already tired. Look at your patterns to figure out what do you need break from and then do something about it.

Try 21 days of Project JOMO to take a break

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