When you think about managing your time, how often is it about being more productive, reaching those big goals, or getting more items crossed off your to-do list today? You wonder how other people get so much done. You’re frustrated that you’re constantly working, yet your lists and goals feel hard to finish or even to start.
After all, there are only 24 hours in a day. For most of us, at least six to eight of those hours are devoted to sleep. Subtract time for eating, transitions, bio breaks, managing distractions, and handling the unexpected, and your available time to get things done is significantly reduced.
I remember my mom used to get annoyed about having to sleep. She would say, “We sleep a third of our lives away. Sleeping is a waste of time.” I never bought into the idea that sleep was a waste. Instead, I saw her words as reflecting her intense need to make the most of every moment.
I’m all for making the most of the time I have. Time is finite and a precious resource. However, one of the best ways to manage your time better is to take intentional breaks. Sleep is one aspect, but taking breaks while awake is just as essential.
What Types of Breaks Will Help You Be a Better Time Manager?
I know I’m stating the obvious, but you need energy and focus to get things done. Working longer or beyond capacity doesn’t help. You’ve probably reached the point of diminishing returns. You know those nights. You’re exhausted, pushing to finish that spreadsheet, dealing with a sink full of dishes, packing for a trip, or writing one more email response.
However, understanding the benefits of taking breaks and integrating them into your life will help.
It’s more than ‘will help.’ Taking breaks is essential not only for energy, focus, and getting things done but also for your overall well-being. Life isn’t only about doing more. It’s about stepping away for short, medium, or longer breaks.
What can these mid-size breaks look like? Let’s review some options to help you better manage your time. These pauses are about giving you time to recover so you can return to ‘the work’ refreshed, recharged, and energized.
1. Short Breaks
You might be thinking, “I’m so busy that I barely have time for a bio break, let alone any other break.” Believe me, I get it. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life.
However, it is possible to integrate several short breaks into your day. If “short” feels too long, reframe it as a micro-break.
These tiny resets can be taken a few times a day and may include:
Close your eyes and take several slow breaths in and out.
Stand up and shake out your body.
Send a quick email or text to someone you love.
Enjoy a few leisurely sips of coffee or iced tea.
Eat a snack.
Doodle on a sheet of paper.
Go outside for fresh air.
Take a walk around the office or the block.
Roll your shoulders forward and backward.
Dance or sing loudly to a favorite song.
Take a few deep, loud sighs.
Splash cold water on your face.
Sit and do nothing for a few minutes.
Meditate for 1 to 5 minutes. Insight Timer offers many excellent options.
What else could work well for your micro-break?
“Life isn’t only about doing more.”
2. Medium Breaks
Those mini breaks are wonderful, but at times you will benefit from something longer. If you can carve out more than 5 minutes, a medium break is beneficial. While micro-breaks can be impromptu, a medium break might require some advance planning.
Here are some recharge ideas for breaks ranging from 20 minutes to several hours:
Take a 20-minute nap.
Go to the movies.
Take a walk in nature.
Meet a friend for lunch.
Explore a museum, garden, or town.
Get a massage.
Meditate for 30 minutes.
Write in your journal.
Call a loved one.
Go to the pool or the beach.
Read a book (or a portion of one).
Go for a bike ride.
Make something with your hands.
Daydream.
Take a yoga class.
What other types of medium breaks could benefit you?
3. Long Breaks
Full disclosure here. Today I took a micro break (meditated) and a medium break (walked by the river). I also just returned from a long break, a family vacation in the Finger Lakes. I have to say, as much as I need my shorter breaks regularly, the extended ones are just as vital. They can be more challenging to take because of the expense or limited time.
Yet, going somewhere for several days (if possible) and stepping away from your regular routines and responsibilities is one of the best ways to recharge. You will return refreshed, more focused, and ready to re-engage with your projects and lists.
It also gives you time to float, think, catch up on sleep, connect with family and friends, or simply do nothing. But a long break doesn’t have to mean only getting away.
Here are some long-break ideas when you have more than 24 hours:
Take a staycation and stick to fun or relaxing activities.
Take a personal retreat focused on rest and reflection.
Unplug for several days.
Learn a new skill just for fun.
Create a home retreat with no obligations, errands, or projects.
Go away for the weekend, or extend it to a long weekend.
Vacation somewhere you have to fly to.
Travel to somewhere on your bucket list.
Check into a spa or wellness retreat.
Go camping or glamping.
Vacation somewhere reachable by car.
Take a biking, kayaking, or boating trip.
Spend an extended visit with loved ones.
What have you enjoyed most during your long breaks?
Are You Ready to Give Yourself the Breaks You Deserve?
Busy is how many of you describe your lives. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a full life. But make sure you also take a variety of intentional breaks. Breaks are the yin to your ‘busy’ yang.
Do you take regular breaks? What types do you take? Would you benefit from adding more pauses to your life? How would taking more breaks help you manage your time better? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
How Can I Help?
Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, and have difficulty managing your time? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.
Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.
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Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or
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Managing your time, getting organized, and living with more ease are possible, especially with support.
