In this fast-paced world, we are all running in our lives. It is not enough to just stop working and take a break. When we take a break from work, we must actually reset, so that we don’t deplete ourselves further. If we take a break and start reading the news or scroll through social media or pay those pending bills online, we are still wired to the computer. This doesn’t let our brains rest at all. We need to go “offline” to actually give our brains a good rest. It is important that when we rest, we take proper breaks to combat burnout and the optimal time of practicing these antidotes to burnout are 15 to 20 minutes. However, a good rest of 5 minutes helps a lot as well.
There are several ways in which you can press the “refresh” button of your brain and reset yourself for the rest of the tasks at hand every day. Look at the list below and find out which break would suit you the best!
1. The Essential Bio Break
In home and workplaces alike, women would often exclaim, “I was so caught up that I forgot to drink water,” or “I forgot to even pee all day.” You must never do this to your body. Keeping it healthy should be your first “mantra”. Eliminate those accumulated toxins in your body and hydrate it from time to time. It wouldn’t even take you more than a couple of minutes. You must know that the brain and nervous system have lymph nodes that dump toxins too.
2. Try To Eat Healthy, As Much As Possible
A refreshing cup of sweet tea or coffee can fix you in a jiffy, but when had in excess, it can even deplete your energy level in the long run. Especially in the afternoon, drink a cup of herbal tea or drink a glass of water instead of your regular cup of coffee. Stop yourself from reaching out for sugary snacks as they would get burned up quickly. Instead, choose portion-controlled snacks that are high in protein, contains healthy fats, or complex carbohydrates that take longer to get digested.
3. Keep Moving Your Body
If you are sitting at one place throughout the day, it can not only affect your body but also, your mind. Your blood must keep flowing to feel more energized and prevent the risks of certain health problems. Use at least one of your breaks to take a walk, play with your kids, or at least, do some form of exercise. A light yoga asana can be quite beneficial for your health.
4. Spend Time With Nature
Go outside for a walk on the meadow or just take a look out of the window. The sight of greenery also has the power to soothe the eyes and the brain. You do not need a great expanse of greenery or a garden or a park to spend time with nature. Getting out of the office building and looking at a flower tub helps too. Instead of music, listen to a bird chirping or just the sound of the wind.
5. Keep Socializing
Here, do not get mistaken by the social media. Believe in social networks in real life. When you laugh out loud, you stimulate your vagus nerve, which is the prime mediator of the parasympathetic nervous system that helps in controlling our rest-and-digest functions. When you are at work, stick to positive conversations; gossiping and complaining is very destructive for your health. When you are chatting with your colleagues, always remember to keep the chit-chat positive and constructive.
6. Practice Mindfulness
When you meditate and practice deep breathing, you create a relaxed mood that is more mindful. Practicing mindfulness in this way make perfect short breaks. Keep meditating from time to time and at least once a day to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system that will help you relieve strain and help the brain to integrate well.
Now you know what your mantra should be: “Work smart, not hard”. This will help you prevent yourself from burning out, boost your energy levels, and beat the brain fog every day.
