Masking the Pain: Why It's Important to Take Mental Health Breaks From Work

Let's face it, the vast majority of us are guilty of spending way too much time at work. We live in a society that encourages an "always on" mentality, where getting ahead often means putting in long hours at the expense of our personal lives. And while there's nothing wrong with being dedicated to your job, there comes a point where working too much can actually start to negatively impact your mental health. That's why it's so important to take mental health breaks from work on a regular basis.

That means making time for breaks, both mental and physical. Both are much as important as the other. Shutting off from work to recharge your batteries may seem like it goes against the grain, but in reality, taking breaks can lead to improved focus, creativity, and productivity.

Mental and physical health are interconnected; when one suffers, so does the other. That's why it's so important to make time for both kinds of breaks during the workday. A quick 10-minute walk around the block can do wonders for your energy levels and concentration, while a few minutes of quiet meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Here's a look at why mental health breaks are so important and how you can make sure to work them into your schedule.

The Importance of Mental Health Breaks

Mental health breaks are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they allow you to step away from your work and clear your head. When you're constantly thinking about work, it can be difficult to relax and recharge, which can lead to burnout. Taking regular mental health breaks allows you to come back to your work refreshed and with a clear mind, which can improve your productivity.

In addition, mental health breaks give you an opportunity to reconnect with the people and things that make you happy outside of work. When you're so focused on your job, it's easy to let your personal life fall by the wayside. Taking a break to spend time with loved ones or pursue a hobby can help reduce stress and give you something to look forward to during your workday.

Of course, it's not always possible to step away from your desk every hour or so. If that's the case, try to take a few minutes here and there to do some deep breathing exercises or stretch your body. And at the end of the day, make sure to disconnect from work completely so you can fully relax and rejuvenate.

Finally, mental health breaks remind you that there's more to life than work. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of your career and forget about the things that truly matter in life. By taking periodic breaks, you can refocus your attention on what's important and put things into perspective.

Tips for Taking Mental Health Breaks

Given how important mental health breaks are, it's surprising that so few people actually take them. If you find yourself struggling to step away from work, here are a few tips that can help:

Talk to your boss

In some cases, bosses may be hesitant to give employees time off for fear that it will negatively impact productivity levels. However, most employers would be more than happy to accommodate workers who need some time for themselves, provided that it doesn't interfere with business operations. If you're struggling to take a mental health break because you're worried about what your boss will say, have a conversation with them about why you need some time off and see if they're open to accommodating your request. Here at Harissa Business Partners, we help build a better workplace. Thus the most effective way to build a better business.

Set boundaries

It can be difficult to disconnect from work when you're constantly fielding calls and emails from clients or colleagues outside of normal business hours . If this is an issue for you, try setting some clear boundaries between your personal and professional life by turning off email notifications when you're not working or only checking voicemails during certain times of the day. This will help prevent work from spilling into every aspect of your life.

Prioritise self-care

In today's fast-paced world , it's easy to get so caught up in meeting deadlines and chasing goals that we forget to maintain our own physical and mental wellbeing. But self-care is essential if we want to avoid burnout. So make sure you schedule time for yourself every day, even if it's just for a quick workout or a few minutes of meditation. You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel when you start making self-care a priority.

Do not forget to BREATHE!

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks from work can actually improve your focus, creativity, and productivity in the long run.

Mental health breaks are essential for maintaining our productivity levels, reducing stress and reconnecting with the things that make us happy outside of work. However, far too many of us struggle to take them because we feel like we can't afford the time away from our jobs. If this sounds like you, follow the tips provided so you can reclaim control of your time and prioritise your mental health.

So if you're feeling bogged down by your never-ending to-do list, take a step back and give yourself a well-deserved break. If you are unsure where or how to start, Harissa Business Partners is here to help. Talk to us today.

Don't wait until you hit a burnout before taking action; start taking mental health breaks today. Your mind (and body) will thank you for it!