We live in a culture that praises intense hard work. You are expected to put in extra hours and go the extra mile at every phase of your life, especially when it comes to working.
Thanks to the normalization of putting in extra work and actually praising such unhealthy levels of working hours, we all struggle with work-life balance. Wanting to have a break is frowned upon, and you are also then deemed as lazy.
However, if all that you do is work, then you are doing yourself a disservice because you achieve that alleged level of success at the expense of your health. It is not just the physical health that suffers — owing to the sleepless nights, missed lunch breaks, eating unhealthy food, and not getting enough workout– but mental health also is gravely affected.
The work stress not only impairs mental health that may even require the intervention of the Best Psychologist in Lahore, but this stress also leads to problems with physical health, including the risk of heart disease, sleep disorders, and obesity.
Moreover, the lack of work-life balance also cramps social life. Naturally, when you are so preoccupied with work, you will not have time for friends and family, which is extremely important. Hence, it is vital that you take a break from work.
Types of breaks to try
Vacation
The best form of break is a vacation. You do not have to feel guilty about using your vacation days; if you are not going to pamper yourself, why are you working so hard?
The vacation does not have to be an extravagant affair if the money is tight. You do not have to go aboard or stay in expensive hotels. Just think of something that excites you, and plan accordingly.
Vacation is about relaxing and having fun. An important thing is note is that you must leave your work at home. If you take to a vacation, then you are not only ruining it for yourself and the people you go out with, but you are also not even having a proper vacation. So, live a little. Try the thrill of not responding to your email on vacation!
Time out
If taking a vacation is not possible, you can take a timeout. To execute it, specify a time block, ideally on the weekend so that you have ample time for in the break. Then, during these specified hours, simply tune out the world. Don’t worry about the house chores, turn your internet off so no one can email you, and don’t think of any stressful activities.
Instead, do something relaxing. It can be meditation, yoga, or even a massage. Order food that you like. Read a book that you have been meaning to start. Invite your friends over a casual meetup, but if that is too stressful, forgo it.
Tiny break
If time-outs are too ambitious for you, you can also try to have short breaks. These breaks are simply to break the cycle of stress. Moreover, at times, the distance helps in improved cognitive functioning as well.
Taking little breaks in between work also allows for you to not become overwhelmed with work. So, anytime work becomes too much, take a break. Go out to the park. Play a game with a friend. Watch something you like. Do a quick meditation session. Go hit the gym. There are plenty of ways that you can make most of your few minutes off.
Bottom line
It is good to be diligent in your work, but you must not let work dictate your life. Know that true success is not making a certain amount of money, but having your health, being content, and having sustenance accordingly.
Therefore, do take a break when needed, as otherwise, your physical health will suffer, meriting a visit to a psychologist like Dr Mumtaz Hussain.
