Taking a break is a must-have habit.
There is one part of our body that needs a break more regularly than any other, and that’s the neural networks in our brain. Reflecting on this now makes sense, but giving our minds a break needs to be a day-to-day habit.
In fact, allowing our brains a moment to regroup every half an hour makes us far more efficient, not to mention healthier. It’s all to do with stress.
Our world’s are typically full of deadlines, distractions, schedules, and surprises, all creating pressure and low-level stress. If these aren’t managed well the stress can become acute. Throw in bigger stresses that we are not in control of, such as global events and financial issues, and it is easy to see how stress can negatively impact us. Stress will sap brain energy, and in some cases even overload and block neural pathways, preventing memory recall and our ability to work effectively on the task at hand. It reduces our ability to problem-solve, think creatively, or reflect on what’s happening to our body and mind in that moment.
Taking a break, even just for a couple of minutes, can reduce stress and reset our neural pathways. “Taking a break” can vary by duration and activity, and will depend on your work and the environment around you, but all of the following examples help the mind focus on something that’s different and easy, allowing it to reset and come back stronger:
Walk around a nearby green space
Make a cup of tea
Do a quick house chore
Chat to someone about a shared interest
Do someone a favour
Read your book
Play a game
The key is that it is EASY to do, and involves CHANGING what your mind is focusing on, and even better if it requires you to MOVE.
Great teachers should build break moments into their lessons, offering students an activity that allows them to regroup. Great workplace leaders should be aware of how important breaks are, and that people need to feel the freedom to do what they feel is right for them in those moments. Adults and children alike need breaks; our neural networks demand them.
We can all help each other by being aware of the power of taking a break, supporting others to do so, and leading by example.
