Blog
The Art of Taking a Break
Written by Aakifa Shafeer
In today's busy world, many of us have been conditioned to believe that success comes only through constant hard work. We become so focused on our responsibilities and goals that we often forget about ourselves. Instead of working to live, we begin living to work.
Many people spend their youth striving for success, believing that if they work hard enough now, they will eventually enjoy a life of comfort and relaxation during retirement. However, none of us can truly guarantee what the future holds. While hard work is important and can help us achieve our goals, provide financial stability, and create opportunities, it is equally important to take breaks along the way.
Without rest, even the most dedicated individuals can experience stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Taking regular breaks allows us to recharge, maintain our well-being, and continue performing at our best.
Why Powering Through Does More Harm Than Good
Most of us power through work every day, whether it is spending long hours in front of a computer, rushing between meetings, or eating lunch at our desks while continuing to work. While this may not seem like a big deal, it does not allow our brains enough time to fully relax and recover, which is essential for maintaining our overall well-being and quality of life.
Completing tasks can be compared to lifting weights. Your brain is constantly working, putting in effort, and using energy to stay focused and productive. Just as muscles benefit from periods of rest after sustained effort, the brain also benefits from breaks following prolonged concentration. Continuously lifting weights without rest will not help you perform at your best, and similarly, your brain cannot remain active and productive all the time without taking breaks (Lear, 2025).
While taking breaks is important, the quality of those breaks matters just as much as the act of taking them.
When a Break Isn't Really a Break
Unfortunately, not all breaks work the same way. While breaks are essential, some can leave you feeling more drained than refreshed. Activities such as scrolling through social media or endlessly browsing the internet can expose your brain to large amounts of information in a short period of time. This can contribute to mental fatigue and make it difficult for your mind to fully relax.
In addition, spending more time on screens can strain your eyes and prevent you from properly disconnecting from work or other responsibilities. For this reason, activities such as scrolling through social media, replying to emails, or constantly browsing the internet may not provide the restorative benefits of a genuine break. Instead, choosing activities that allow you to step away from screens can help your mind and body recharge more effectively (The Learning Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, n.d.).
If scrolling isn't the answer, what is?
Breaking Better
So, what makes an effective break? In simple terms, an effective break helps you completely disconnect from work and engage in activities that leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized. Rather than taking a break mindlessly, it can be beneficial to pause and reflect on what you truly need from that moment, whether it is relaxation, movement, or simply a change of environment (The Learning Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, n.d.).
Getting Creative
Engaging in creative activities such as doodling, knitting, journaling, or writing can be an excellent way to take a break. These forms of creative expression allow your mind to focus on something enjoyable and provide a welcome change from everyday tasks.
Change of Scenery
Sometimes, something as simple as a change in environment can make a significant difference. Stepping away from your usual surroundings and spending time in a new setting can help refresh your mind and improve your focus.
Get Moving
Physical activities such as going for a walk, stretching, meditating, or dancing can help boost energy levels, reduce tension, and leave you feeling refreshed. Even a few minutes of movement can help reset both your mind and body (Disability Resources for Students, University of Washington, n.d.).
While it is essential to take breaks, it is equally important to understand which types of breaks truly help us recharge and which ones leave us feeling even more drained. Sometimes, stepping away for a few minutes is one of the most productive things you can do for your mind and body.
References
Disability Resources for Students, University of Washington. (n.d.). Taking effective breaks. University of Washington. https://www.washington.edu/drs/academic-skills/time-management-tips/taking-effective-breaks/
Lear, S. A. (2025, March 26). Why you need to take a break. Become Your Healthiest You. https://drscottlear.com/2025/03/26/why-you-need-to-take-a-break/
The Learning Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (n.d.). Taking breaks. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
