You may or may not have noticed that I fell off the map for a bit around the middle of June. I didn’t publish any new blog posts, or share updates to Twitter, Pinterest or Facebook unless they’d been pre-scheduled. Even my Instagram and Snapchat suffered from 7 days of inactivity, which is unheard of for me these days. I’d been feeling like I needed a break for a while, and just woke up one morning and decided to take one.
Unfortunately, this unplanned absence from blogging and life in general wasn’t the best idea, since a lot of my responsibilities were left unattended. In the end, I was more guilty and stressed after the break than I was before, and I’ve been playing catch-up ever since. Because of this, I’ve been feeling the need for another break/vacation asap, but I don’t want to end up in the same position as before.
So, today I wanted to re-share some tips for taking effective breaks from your responsibilities without feeling guilty while trying to relax, or being even more stressed when you return to the regularly scheduled program.
[Tweet “How to take a break without stressing about your responsibilities #healthyliving”]
1. Do it on your off-peak times
If you’re an accountant, it’s probably not a great idea to take a relaxation day in the middle of tax season. Don’t decide to take a break when you know you’ll have a mountain of work piling up, because you’ll spend the entire time worrying about it. Doesn’t exactly scream relaxation, does it?
Choose a time when you know work will be slower so you’ll be able to fully put it out of your mind.
2. Schedule it
There’s nothing wrong with an impromptu mental health day. But, if you’re a scheduler, your inner Type A will be a lot less resistant to the idea of taking a day off if you plan ahead. Carve out some time, pencil it in, catch up on work beforehand, let everyone know you’ll be unavailable, and then relax.
3. Disconnect
Like most people I get emails and notifications for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc sent to my phone. And of course, I get calls, text messages and IMs. If I kept my phone on me while I was trying to relax, I’ll be rushing to answer every call and reply to every email, blog comment or message. Sounds a lot like work to me.
So, if you’re truly after time off, detach the phone/tablet/laptop from your side and give yourself a fighting chance at this taking-a-break thing.
4. Do something you love
We all know I love to read, so my ideal relaxation day would look a little something like this: Wake up >> Eat Breakfast >> Read >> Eat Lunch >> Nap >> Wake up >> Read >> Eat Dinner >> Read >> Sleep
If your ideal day would be spent sleeping, running, at the gym, in the kitchen or even cleaning- do it! This day is for you. Immerse yourself in something you love and it’ll be a lot easier to keep thoughts about responsibilities at bay.
5. Make it a Habit
The few times I’ve taken planned time off from the stress of life I noticed something: when I return to work, my productivity, creativity and patience all increase. I’m able to do what I need to do without being bogged down my a mountain of stress and my work is better for it. But, this only works if I planned my relaxation time properly and didn’t let work pile up.
The more you get used to taking properly planned time off, the easier it’ll be to relax without feeling guilty and stressed, because you know it helps in the long run.
What about you?
- Do you take breaks/vacation often?
- Do you feel guilty when you take time off from life and work?
- What helps you relax without feeling guilty?
Share in the comments below!
Get Social with me on:
Facebook – Diary of an Ex-Sloth
Twitter – @ExSloth
Pinterest – @ExSloth
Instagram – @ExSloth
Google+ – +GiselleRochford
Bloglovin – Diary of an ExSloth
Linking up with: Tutorial Tuesday, Twirl & Take a Bow, #dishthefit, #FFavorites, Friday Favourites, Friday Five, Fitness Friday, FYI Friday, #didyouknowlink
More Healthy Living Tips:
Follow GiselleR | Healthy Living Blogger’s board Healthy Living Tips on Pinterest.
Originally published in August 2014
Ugh! With so much to do and busy lives, it can be impossible to take some time for yourself without the pressure of everything you need to get done on you.
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://theaccidentalmama.com
The Accidental mama recently posted…My Love Affair with the Farmers’ Market
Great tips. And yes, sometimes I do feel guilty. But then I remind myself I need “me” time or else I’ll lose my mind.
Amber recently posted…My First Rodeo
I always try to schedule some time off. It is really important for me, as blogging is my my full-time job so it can be easy to just constantly do it. I enjoy my time off when it happens.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Smoothie Bowl by Dannii
Every tip i read i was like Yes, yes and yes!! Makes so much sense lol Pinning!!
and i love your signature at the end btw!!
Fatima recently posted…The MUST HAVE Guide to Maximize Your Student Discount!
I feel so guilty when I’m not being productive every second of the day. Friday night I was pretty relaxed and it was fun. My ideal day would be wake up -> run -> breakfast -> explore the world (because if I’m relaxing I’m probably on vacay so we could also insert “get tan”). -> lunch -> more explore/tan -> dinner -> drinks -> bed!
Cassie recently posted…Running, a Love Story
Yes, I feel soooo guilty when I’m not being productive which then defeats the purpose of taking time off because I don’t really enjoy it. I need to work on that.
Haha, “work” on “relaxing” – is that an oxymoron?
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…Maple Water Is The New Coconut Water
Great tips; I always feel like I am going to be so far behind if I do not keep up every day.
Paris (My Big Fat Happy Life) recently posted…How to Make Marshmallow Playdough
I’ve just recently begun trying to allow myself to relax and take a break. This past week, especially. I’ve worked on scheduling my time out just right so that I can take some time just for me to make myself happy. Such good tips!
Destiny recently posted…Weekly Wishes!
Great list and oh so true!! It does get hard to do unless you seriousely plan it out. Cheers!!
Jen Penas ~The Cocktail Lady recently posted…Chocolate Raspberry Cinnamon Cake
OMG GUILT CONSUMES ME because I am a huge people pleaser so if I ever feel guilty for not living up to someone’s expectations, oh man…. The feeling in my stomach is HORRIFIC!!!!! And I don’t need any other stomach pains! LOL! This is why I continue to please people but every so often I get super burnt out!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Coho Salmon, An Oscar Winner… And More!
Oh cool, now that I know its national relaxation day i’ll have to treat myself! 🙂 I try really hard to maintain a balance of getting everything done and just disconnecting for a bit, but yeah it doesnt always work.
Charlotte @ Commitness to Fitness recently posted…Primal Me
Since I am totally A type I find it extremely hard to relax and just disconnect. Blogging really is 24/7 and I’m always thinking of the next thing I could be doing. I feel like if I am just sitting around I am missing out on opportunities to network and that bothers me. I try to schedule at least one afternoon in a week to just disconnect- I try to remember that I am the only one expecting me to be socially present at all times (no one else cares, I’m sure 😉 )
Annmarie recently posted…Watermelon & Arugula Salad with Grilled Shrimp, Drizzled with a Balsamic Glaze
Girlfriend… did we just become best friends? Yup! I have been loving your posts lately and this one really hits home. In fact, the past 3 days I have not worked endlessly but I decided to do a mini cleanse and treat myself. If I wanted a nap while Quinn napped, I did it. If I wanted to go to the library and get a new book, I did it. If I wanted to watch trashy TV, I did that too! It has felt so nice. It’s VERY hard for me to take time off because blogging is my passion so it doesn’t feel like work. I’m realizing that I need to get better at treating it like a job and take days off if I want my work days to be on point.
Kayla recently posted…Baby Skills {Teaching in The Natural Environment}
These are great tips. A relaxation day sounds like perfection. I am a book worm as well, and love to relax with a book in hand.
Mary recently posted…It’s All in the Details
I LOVE this post! It is sooooo true – I feel so guilty the second I do nothing. Watch tv? Read a magazine? What’s that? I actually took yesterday off…wow! What a liberation! Back to work this AM though. Found you at SITS!
Kristen recently posted…One New Food – Old Fashioned Oatmeal
I need to work on taking time off, unplugging FOR REAL! I am constantly on the go and I must do better. Great tips. #sitsblogging
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Spicy Bite Green Juice
Great tips! I’ve been trying to schedule more time for relaxation lately. Even though I always have lots of things that need to get done. It is good to give your mind and body a rest.
Sonya recently posted…Ask Away Friday: High School Edition
Another great post! I find it interesting that so many of us feel guilty when we are not adhering to our self-imposed schedule … I am the one making all the rules, yet I feel guilty if I am not adhering to them! Last week some lack of internet issues prevented me from reading other blogs, sharing posts and networking as I have in the past. Guess what – the world is still spinning! Glad I found your blog at Saturday Sharefest today!
Susan – ofeverymoment recently posted…A Chance to Catch Up
Why do we all have such a hard time relaxing without feeling guilty? I constantly feel like I ought to be accomplishing something. I’m getting knee surgery in a month and I am actually looking forward to it because it will give me the excuse to relax without feeling guilty. That is insane!
JoAnn recently posted…The Cure for Mommy Meltdowns
I’ve noticed #5 as well! I was just talking about it yesterday. It makes such a difference! I’m more focused and have more energy for knocking out my to-do list! It’s so important to recharge and refresh oneself! It’s hard, but I’m working on it!
B
http://www.naughteebits.com
B recently posted…Topless Tuesday – 08.26.16 Jadin Wong
This is something I have never had much of a problem with… Lol I enjoy a nice day of relaxation. One of my hobbies (before kids) used to be taking naps. These are great tips.
Stephanie recently posted…The FitFaith Cardio & Core Challenge
We all need breaks from time to time whether it be from exercise, blogging or from certain people. It shouldn’t make us feel guilty but that’s easier said than done sometimes right?!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Street Vegan-Secrets From The Food Truck
I took a weekend out of town with my son, but it wasn’t very relaxing! We were busy the whole time, which was fun..but I needed a little more. I was feeling very stressed this week and took an unscheduled day off, which made me feel guilty but was very needed.
Great post!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…#RunThisYear June 2015 summary
NOPE. I dont’ feel guilty when I take time for me and my own needs… if I can’t be good to myself, I am not good to anyone else! Good tips.
Elle recently posted…Cool Breakfasts for Hot Mornings
I try to take one “full day” off blogging or blog related social media a week. I also try to pre-plan and schedule out posts for weeks when I’ll be gone–social media scheduling tools definitely help to make me feel good about my posts still getting put out there. But planning is definitely key!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…2015 Goals: Midyear Update
I dont’ feel guilty for relaxing or taking a break at all! That hasn’t always been the case but now it is 🙂
Thanks for sharing this great reminder to ditch the guilt with Fitness Friday friends! Have a wonderful weekend Giselle.
jill conyers recently posted…Comprehensive Physical Fitness
Great tips! I like to work really hard when I’m feeling it (get some blog posts/social media posts pre-scheduled) so that when I begin to feel frazzled I can take a “weekend off” and do other things I find fun/relaxing or fulfilling. 😀
Coach Henness recently posted…Shredded Chicken with Cherry BBQ Sauce
Oh man, I’m so bad at relaxing. I tell myself I’m going to take a day off, but I end up just doing other errands and things I don’t get to do normally. I could definitely use a day to veg out and just really relax. I’d love to take a nice walk to the park and read and have a little picnic. I’ll have to follow these tips!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Ultimate Coffee Date – July
I never feel guilty about taking breaks, but I find it really hard to take them and relax, especially during the work day.
Toni recently posted…ShoeBuy Rooftop Yoga Event Recap
I often feel guilty about taking a blogging break and disconnecting from the world, but doing so every now and then is really good for us all. We should never feel guilty about taking a break.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Potpourri v. 3
Love this. Great post and tips! I know HOW to relax… but the without guilt part is the challenge. 😉 Thanks for sharing.
rachel recently posted…Listening to my Heart
Good post and thanks for sharing what you realized didn’t work about your break. I think if we do not take one we end up burned out. However, doing it at a peak busy time can cause more stress. Balance is not easy to achieve!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks
I think doing something you love is the key to succeeding in anything. It definitely applies to me and working out – if I’m not loving it, I just don’t seem to try as hard.
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…3 Ways to Change Your Life in 10 Minutes
I love this! And I completely relate to feeling guilty for taking a break–I know I feel guilty even when I just take a few minutes to myself. In fact, I needed to remind myself of WHY it’s so important to take time for myself, so I compiled a little list of all the research I could find that proves that self-care is essential to health and happiness. I blogged about it, too. Check it out! http://goo.gl/Hr0bwe
Erica recently posted…Science-Backed Proof That Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Thank you for such a useful and detailed guide. I have a very stressful job, and I just need to learn to relax, or very soon I will just go crazy. I hope that you will continue to do this type of content.
These are great tips for maintaining balance and harmony with yourself. I want to share another magic Supplement that will help you live a healthier life, this is sovereign silver. This is a natural element to support your immune system, which will be useful for absolutely everyone
I really struggle with this. If I am not being “productive” I feel guilty. Thanks for the tips!
Carla Corelli recently posted…The 3-Minute Gratitude Practice That Will Change Your Life