Gimme a Break. Seriously. We all need a break.
Take A break
Hey Readers! Ever work to the point of not recognizing your own bed? How about, you work so often that your own bed sends you letters in the mail because it misses you? For those who work with little to no sleep, both questions are not too farfetched.
Frontier In Psychology posted an article that read, “Psychotic symptoms develop with increasing time awake, from simple visual/somatosensory misperceptions to hallucinations and delusions, ending in a condition resembling acute psychosis. These experiences are likely to resolve after a period of sleep, although more information is required to identify factors which can contribute to the prevention of persistent symptoms.” (Waters, Chiu, Atkinson and Blom, 2018) In other words, you might want to look back over those letters.
What else am I getting at? It’s important to take a break. Sleep deprivation may be on the more severe side of overworking, but still extends from not taking much needed breaks.
A break can vary from person to person of course.
For the scholars among us, there are tactical, visual, and audio learners. Each learning style is different, as many already know. For those who are not as familiar, I’ll simplify the learning styles for you. Visual learners watch to learn, audio learners listen to learn, and tactical learners learn by being hands on. Tactical learners take multiple short breaks for example, while visual and audio learners do not need nearly as many. In the case of the tactical learner, breaks help determine whether they can properly learn their material. Breaks are not just for students, thank goodness.
There is nothing wrong with meeting deadlines and overachieving. In fact, those who work hard have a better chance of making their goals reality. That being said, there are times to work and times to relax. I’m not saying that you need to go on vacation every time you're stressed from work. I am saying that breaks at work, and even away from work, can benefit you tremendously. Psychology Today had an article that said it best. “Working for long stretches without breaks leads to stress and exhaustion. Taking breaks refreshes the mind, replenishes your mental resources, and helps you become more creative.” (Selig, M., 2017)
With time, doing tasks at work can become as easy as breathing. Data entry for example, may be complicated at first but can become easier with time. Sometimes busy work can also lead to health issues. The article in Psychology Today also went on to say, “The benefits of taking brief movement breaks have been well-researched. Constant sitting—whether at your desk, the TV, or the lecture hall—puts you at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity. Getting up from your chair to walk, stretch, do yoga, or whatever activity you prefer can reduce the negative health effects from too much sitting. Just a 5-minute walk every hour can improve your health and well-being.” (Selig, M. 2017) While some people prefer to knock out tasks in one sitting, its important to know that breaktimes can save you mental stress and well as health complications. Well, don’t just take my word for it. Add a few breaks into your routine and see for yourself.
Stay Breezy
--E
Citations:
Waters, F., Chiu, V., Atkinson, A. and Blom, J., 2018. Severe Sleep Deprivation Causes Hallucinations and a Gradual Progression Toward Psychosis With Increasing Time Awake. Frontiers in Psychiatry, [online] 9(1664-0640). Available at: <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00303/full> [Accessed 24 December 2020].
Selig, M., 2017. How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? 5 Surprising Answers. [online] Psychology Today. Available at: <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201704/how-do-work-breaks-help-your-brain-5-surprising-answers#:~:text=4.,helps%20you%20become%20more%20creative.> [Accessed 24 December 2020].