How to Properly Take a Break
No one can Take a Break like I can. I have no problem leaving the dishes unwashed for days or eating saltines and Earth Balance for a week rather than going grocery shopping. So I am well-equipped on advising people how to take some time off for themselves. And for many people, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to take a little break. Relax from the holiday and year-end rush, reflect on the year ahead. So I thought I would share some tips on how to really take advantage of a little time off or even just some “quieter than usual” time.
Don’t be afraid to say no to holiday invitations
If going to a festive gathering has you feeling more anxious than excited, just channel your inner Phoebe Buffay and respond, “I wish I could…but I don’t want to.” People can have a hard time letting you say No Thank You to their invitation, but stand firm. You will feel better in the end.
Have at least 2-3 books at hand that you’ve been wanting to read
Not that you’ll necessarily get to all of them but a spare or two is good in case you start one and it’s just not resonating with you. Don’t feel guilty about putting a book down if you’re not enjoying the story-line or the story-telling. Pass it on to someone else who might enjoy it and lay back down on the sofa with the next book.
Edit Your Movie Watch List
The same goes for movies and/or series to binge-watch. Edit your Watch List ahead of time so when you finally get comfy with a blanket and a snack, you can just watch next next next for an entire afternoon of mindless entertainment.
Go Outside
Do get outside. Go for a long drive somewhere. Open the windows for a bit even if it’s cold. Go for a walk in the woods or along a beach. Get some fresh air.
Eat Somewhere New
Stopping at a new little cafe for soup and a sandwich can feel like a little mini-vacation if you really get outside your normal stomping grounds. Eat alone. Read that book.
Try a new skill
Draw. Paint. Tap out a tune on a piano. Make a birdhouse. Sew some curtains. Bead a bracelet. Wool felt a cute lil animal. Do something creative that will take all your attention for a little while.
Turn off your alarm
This is not the time for schedules or forced awakenings. Go to sleep when you feel sleepy, wake up on your body’s natural rhythm. Take a nap in the afternoon.
Take a long hot bath
Still reading that book? Bring it with you into the bathtub and just let the hot water soak into your muscles for a long, long time.
Do something productive
While doing something productive can seem counter-productive to taking a break, sometimes if I don’t accomplish anything I might feel I “wasted” my time. Sometimes things linger on your To Do list for far too long because you don’t have time for them while living your normally scheduled life. If you can wipe a thing or two (but don’t go crazy) off the list, the “break break” can feel worth it.
Schedule something fun for after the break
Give yourself something to look forward to in the future so the end of the break doesn’t feel like the end of fun forever and ever.
I hope all of you do have some sort of break right now. Even if you’re at work, I hope things are a little easier right now. At the very least, take a little weekend respite now that we’re through Christmas.
What I’m Wearing:
- Lucky Brand Ikat Cardigan, size 3x. Available in straight and plus sizes.
- Caslon Button-Front Chambray Shirt, size 4x plus. Available in straight, petite and plus sizes.
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Old Navy Plus-Size High-Rise Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans, size 22.
Today I’m linking up with Patti of Not Dead Yet Style on her Visible Monday link-up
Photography by Robert Mitchell Photography
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
jodie filogomo
Banning the alarm has been the best thing about retirement. Of course there is the cat alarm, ha ha!!
I’m halfway good at this for one day, but then I do feel the need to do something, or at least get out of the house.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Iris
VERY interesting post – and just along the lines of what I’ve decided for myself. Taking a break wasn’t what I was calling it – but that’s pretty much what it is. I feel like I’ve been on a freight train – hurtling along at breakneck speed and not being able to see any of the scenery or “do” anything I really wanted to. And, I’ve decided to change that.
You have some good ideas and I think I’ll try some of them.
Grace & Peace, Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Yeah, no one should be hurtling nonstop through life. I have “hurtling” periods, but I make sure I have breaks, too. Wish there could be MORE breaks, but. You know. Rent.
Elle
Love the ikat cardigan Bettye!
Perfectly styled and chic.
I agree with all of these things. I do try to take a break and enjoy some leisurely time every day, but most the time I like to feel and be productive.
I agree that it is important to take some quiet time especially during the holiday season. .. I like to watch a couple of Netflix shows and of course listen to the news. Then I need to pick me up for after reading the news! LOL.
Have a wonderful New Years!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Rich Papp
I found your site by accident. I said to my wife that we looked like a couple of schlubs. Since she was not familiar with the word, I googled for pictures to help me explain. That’s when I found your site. I enjoyed your pictures and your commentary. Keep up the good work!
bettyewp
Ha, Welcome, Rich! Always happy to meet fellow schlubs! Don’t be a stranger!