Beep. Beep. Beep. The alarm clock rings. It´s so hard to open your eyes. Damn, a new day and so much to do. The to-do list is getting longer by the minute, and everyone seems to want something from me nowadays. I feel like I can no longer live up to the expectations and am constantly disappointed in myself.
Sounds like you in the morning? Then it´s high time for a break!
I know that in a hectic everyday life, it is often difficult to find time for oneself. Many of us feel exhausted, and overwhelmed and have the feeling that the days just fly by. But these precise breaks are essential to regaining your balance and doing something good for yourself. In this article, I will show you practical tips and methods on how you can consciously create a small break within your everyday life to recharge your batteries regularly.
Why are breaks so important?
Before we get to the tips, let´s briefly dive into why taking breaks is key. If you are constantly there for others and neglect your own needs, this can quickly lead to exhaustion, burnout, and a general feeling of malaise. Personal time outs help you get back in touch with yourself, replenish your energy reserves, and stay healthy and happy all the time. They not only help you reduce stress, but also increase your energy and promote more effective work. So why not take a break? After all, we always have to fill our own cup first before we can help others fill theirs.
10 practical tips for your personal time out
1. Schedule it in!
Set fixed times in your calendar that are reserved just for you and what you enjoy. Be it in the morning before work, during your lunch break, or in the evening before going to bed, find time periods that work best for you. These times are non-negotiable and should be taken just as seriously as an important business meeting.
2. Create a feel-good list.
Think about what activities are really good for you and help you relax. Write a list that you can always access. The Notes app on your smartphone comes in handy at this point! The list can include things like a relaxing bath, a walk in nature, a cuddle session with your pet, reading a book, or a yoga session. If you need a break, you can just look at your list and think about which activity would be particularly good for you right now.
3. Take a break!
You don’t always have the opportunity to withdraw for a longer period of time. Micro breaks can work wonders here. This could be a five-minute meditation, a quick breathing exercise, or a walk around the block. These breaks can help you clear your head while connecting to your source and recharging your battery.
4. Set clear boundaries.
Learn to say no and consciously set your boundaries. You don’t always have to be there for everyone and do everything. You are not responsible for the feelings and actions of others. Allow yourself to hand over tasks or postpone appointments sometimes. Your time and well-being are just as important as the needs of others.
5. Safe Space
Create a place at home where you feel completely comfortable, safe, and at ease. This can be a comfortable armchair, a reading corner, or a place in your garden. However, this place should be free of distractions and give you the opportunity to be completely with yourself.
6. Digital Detox
Our constant availability can be very stressful. Plan regular times when you consciously go offline and don’t check emails, social media posts, or the news. Our smartphones have a great function, called time limits, to help us regulate our usage times. This digital detox can help you concentrate better and switch off easily at night.
7. Focus goes where energy flows.
Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and support your well-being. Get some fresh air regularly, go for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. Nature has a very calming effect and helps you clear your head and recharge your batteries. My absolute favorite is the view of the sea and its sounds.
8. Go with the flow.
Creativity can be very relaxing and fulfilling. We do something we love. Maybe we even lose ourselves in the flow and unconsciously recharge our batteries with what we do. Take time for creative breaks and do what appeals to you. Whether it´s singing, painting, dancing, crafting, pottery, making music, or writing, you decide where you want to let your creativity flow. These activities sharpen your attention, awaken your life energy, and help you let go of all the everyday stress.
9. Listen within
Mindfulness exercises and meditation can help you to be completely in the present, to consciously enjoy the moment, and not let it simply pass by you. There are many apps and online services that offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises. Try out different techniques and find out what helps you best. An app that I have personally used for years and use both for meditation and breathing exercises that I can highly recommend is Head Space.
10. Reflection is key.
Take time regularly to think about your everyday life and your needs. Are they being met? A diary or journal can help you document things that went well or that you would like to improve further. This reflection helps you to use your time more consciously, to better understand the patterns, and to plan small breaks every now and then.
Finding time for yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. With the tips mentioned above, you can integrate small but effective breaks into your everyday life and thus increase your well-being. Listen to the voice within and give yourself a much-needed break. Because only when you are feeling well can you be there for others.
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