Needing a Break VS Being Lazy
Do I need to take a break or am I being lazy? I probably ask myself that question at least once a day!
Sometimes it’s hard in the moment to take note and realize if you are mentally or physically exhausted or whether your mind is just giving up because your attention span has maxed out and you can’t be bothered.
This is a very crucial moment!
Push yourself too far and you can end up burnt out and setting yourself back further than if you just took a break.
Alternatively, you might be feeling unmotivated, bored, or preoccupied and simply need to push through it to come out the other side.
Needing a Break VS Being Lazy
If you need a break you’re most likely either physically, emotionally, or mentally exhausted or, all three!
If you are being lazy you’re most likely bored, lacking motivation, or don’t believe in yourself enough to believe what you are doing is worth it.
7 Signs You Need To Take A Break
Feeling Exhausted
Brain Fog
Forgetfulness
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite
Loss of motivation
Low immune system i.e. getting colds, coughs, and generally feeling unwell.
When To Take A Break
If you are experiencing any of the above, taking a break may be a very good idea.
Often we feel like taking a break means we are being lazy or not being productive enough.
But when your overall well-being is being negatively affected it’s time to take a break and take care of yourself.
It’s easy to get caught up in our fast-paced society and hustle posts on social media.
Don’t forget looking after your wellbeing is the most important thing you can do for yourself and others around you.
Book some time off work if you can and focus on yourself.
If you are unable to take time off work, schedule time in your week to focus on yourself. This may be taking a bath undisturbed, going on a spa day, getting an extra hour’s sleep a night, or doing that thing you’ve been wanting to do but never have the time.
When we take care of ourselves and make time for our own enjoyment we not only heal our bodies but we boost our energy, motivation, and desire to continue to be productive and live our best life.
For more support and advice on feeling Overwhelmed click here.
When To Push Through
When it comes to getting stuff done so to speak, getting that qualification, running a marathon, renovating a new home, etc. This is the moment that distinguishes the ones who succeed from the ones who don’t.
It is very normal to get to that point when the task, the training or whatever it is you are doing, is no longer fun, the drive slows down, the motivation fades and your mind and body become tired of whatever it is you are doing.
It's like at dinner when you were a kid, you’d eat half your dinner and say you were full yet beg for dessert. Your mum would say, “Well if you’re too full to finish your dinner you can’t possibly have room for dessert”
But you did have room! It wasn’t that you were too full up but more that you had had enough of that particular food. You wanted a change.
This is when the 20-20 rule can come in very useful.
For every 20 minutes of work take a 20 mins break. This can also be changed to an amount of time that suits you best.
The key point is to keep your mind focused by giving it a set time when it’s allowed to wander and then refocus.
As we journey through life's demands, it's vital to listen to our bodies and minds, acknowledging when they need rest.
Taking breaks isn't a sign of weakness but a wise investment in our long-term effectiveness.
On the other hand, perseverance in the face of challenges can lead to growth and triumph.
It's essential to differentiate between moments where persistence is key and situations where stepping back is the wisest choice.
The key lies in self-awareness, mindfulness, and compassion towards ourselves. By cultivating these qualities, we can navigate the fine line between forging ahead and recharging our spirits.
Remember, it's in the delicate dance between rest and perseverance that we can truly thrive.
So, whether you choose to take a moment to breathe or continue forging your path, trust in your intuition, honor your limits, and remember that self-care is the greatest gift you can give yourself on this journey towards your goals.
For more guidance and advice on productivity click here.
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