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May 6, 2026 Stressed? You Might Need an Intentional Break

Man sitting with head in hands on a leather coach with blurred section to the left of the frame

Life can get to be a lot. We juggle work with family commitments, volunteering, household chores, and trips to the gym. We get sucked into the little dramas happening all around us, as well as the big national (and international) issues that crop up. For some, escaping means turning to their phone and scrolling (and scrolling and scrolling) through social media. But that’s not a true escape. In fact, social media can make you feel even worse than you already do.

How can you alleviate all this pressure and stress? How can you truly take a step back from life’s chaos?

I suggest taking an intentional break.

An intentional break is different than mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or watching TV. Instead, it involves purposefully stepping away from work or tasks to recharge your mind and body. It could be a short walk outside, a mindfulness meditation session, or even a brief chat with a colleague. Or it could involve something more sustained, such as a weekend getaway, vacation, or even a sabbatical.

These types of breaks of breaks are vital for your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. They allow you to temporarily tune out the noise, gain some perspective, and have a chance to reflect. You might discover during this downtime that something you’re currently doing (whether minor or major) is the wrong choice and it’s time to course correct. Or you might realize that you’ve been neglecting the things that are most important in your life (your health, your family, the hobbies and activities that uplift you and bring you joy).

Even if you don’t have a “grand epiphany” while engaging in your break, this time is still valuable. It can help you rejuvenate, relax, and reset your nervous system. We are not built to go, go, go without stopping, and prolonged breaks are part of the natural “pulse” of being human.

Some ideas for short-term meaningful breaks include:

  • Going on a walk or hike
  • Meditating or practicing yoga
  • Finding a quiet space to read a book
  • Nature watching (or people watching) from your window
  • Gardening (or browsing a garden center)
  • Strolling through a conservatory, zoo, or museum

Some ideas for longer-term breaks include:

  • Planning a road trip
  • Booking a stay at a cozy cabin
  • Engaging in a long-term meditation or yoga practice
  • Going on an international vacation
  • Taking a sabbatical
  • Pursuing a new hobby or re-engaging with an old one
  • Attending a silent retreat

There is no right way to take an intentional break. Do whatever fits with your circumstances and interests. And if you don’t think you have time for this type of break, keep in mind that taking the occasional break is essential for your health and can help you refocus and move forward with greater intention and energy.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.

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August 5, 2020 It’s Not Selfish To Take a Break…

coffee and book
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Though I’m generally an optimistic person, there is a lot of hardship in the world lately that has been weighing me down. And I know I’m not alone. When I tune into the news, comb through social media, or talk to friends or acquaintances, I feel a general sense of dread and uncertainty. Many people are unemployed or underemployed, the pandemic is keeping us isolated and frustrated, the economy is uncertain, social issues have the country severely divided…it’s a lot to take in.

During this time of turmoil and strife, it’s crucial to remember to be kind to yourself (as well as others!). You have to remember that, although you are strong, you are just one person. Besides, it’s difficult to make positive change or be a support for others when you’re worn thin and tired.

If the world is weighing on your shoulders and you’re feeling helpless or downright exhausted, I encourage you to set aside time for self-care and rejuvenation. You deserve it. You need it.

Here are 5 ideas for rejuvenating yourself and returning to a positive place in your life:

1. Go Easy On Yourself

Start your rejuvenation journey by forgiving yourself and acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers. You can’t be everything for everyone. You don’t have to be put together all the time. You don’t have to be perfect.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others when you’re on social media. Others’ pictures of perfection (baking bread, sewing COVID masks, flawlessly homeschooling their children) are just that: PICTURES. They don’t show the entire reality. They don’t show the struggles and tears.

If comparing yourself to others is dragging you down, stop tuning in. Take a break from Facebook and Instagram. When you find yourself wanting to click on social media, read an eBook instead or a play a game. Create some “social distance,” and see how it changes your world.

2. Find Daily Quiet Time

Setting aside time every day for quiet reflection, journaling, reading, yoga, etc. can make a world of difference. Even 15 minutes or half an hour can help reinvigorate your brain and put you in a better place. Let your family know that you would like to set aside this time—your “me time”—so you make sure it is peaceful and uninterrupted.

3. Develop Daily Patterns

It’s possible your old life patterns were interrupted by COVID, which can cause you to feel unsettled or edgy. Find creative ways to carve out new daily patterns. For instance, if you used to have a 30-minute commute where you sipped coffee and prepared for your day, you can still set up a morning “commute,” even if you’re now working from home. Make coffee and take the dog for a walk, as you mentally prepare for your day (OR make tea and sit on your porch for a few minutes OR eat breakfast and jot out your daily to-do list…whatever works for you!).

4. Take a Staycation

If you are not working, or if you have the time to step away from work for a while, set aside a week or so and take a staycation. You could stay at a local hotel, but basing yourself out of your own home works just as well. Be a tourist in your own town—visit local parks and museums, eat lunch on a patio, discover parts of the city you’ve never seen before, go for a scenic drive. Most importantly, don’t stress! Sleep in, practice good self-care, read that book you’ve been meaning to read.

If you wanted to take your staycation to the next level, you could visit other countries from the comfort of your living room. Take virtual museum tours, order or make food from a specific country, and immerse yourself in books or movies set in that country. Your creativity is your only limiting factor!

5. Stay Active

Exercise releases endorphins and helps keep you healthy. Even when you’re feeling downtrodden, it pays to make a concerted effort to stay active. Ride your bike, take long walks, lift a few weights, turn on some music and dance—staying active will empower both your body and your mind. Figure out what works best for you and incorporate it into your weekly routine.

You deserve rejuvenation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking concerted, conscious breaks will help you endure today’s hardships. You’ve got this! And if you’d like to chat, I’m here.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
NOW LIVE: CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.

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