Time to focus on yourself

The second quarter of the financial year has just come to an end. Whether you are running your own business, or working for someone else this last quarter has been one that has had no regular holidays. The result? A feeling a burnout or being overwhelmed. 

With the festive period on the horizon, I decided to tackle an important aspect of the next quarter - taking a break. Taking a break isn't just a luxury now; it's a necessity. It's a chance to focus on yourself, recharge and return to work with renewed energy, enthusiasm and a bundle of fun stories. 

So, why take a break? 

• Prevent Burnout: Non-stop work can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Taking breaks helps prevent this by giving your body and mind a chance to recover - physically and emotionally. 

• Improve Productivity: When you're well-rested and refreshed, you're more productive, creative and solution-focussed. 

• Boost Your Mood: Taking time for yourself can elevate your mood and reduce stress, helping you think of innovative solutions to challenges that you face. 

Ok, so how to take a break effectively? 

1. Disconnect: Hard as it may be, truly disconnect from work. This could mean shutting off your laptop, stepping away from your desk or not going in to work one day. 

2. Reconnect with Nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Take a walk in the park, go hiking (if thats your thing), or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

3. Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and engage in activities that you really enjoy. 

4. Learn Something New: Try a new hobby or take a class. Learning something new can be a fun and rewarding way to spend your time. It’s also a great way to meet new people. 

5. Spend Time with Loved Ones: Connect with friends and family. Socialising can help reduce stress and improve your mood. 

Ultimately, taking a break doesn't mean you have to go on a vacation. Even small breaks throughout your day can make a big difference. So, make sure you make time for yourself, recharge, and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.