TAKE A BREAK TO AVOID STRESS & ANXIETY
One of the best tips that I share as a therapist and counselor with my clients to reduce stress and anxiety is telling them to take a break. Removing yourself from the daily stressors can be extremely freeing and an amazing way to rid yourself of stress and anxiety. When was the last time you were very stressed and overly worked and you gave yourself permission to take a break?
Have you ever found yourself continuing to push yourself to continue working when you know you are not giving your 100% on the task at hand? Have you ever been reading something at work and you have to reread a sentence over multiple times because your mind keeps wandering off? Have you ever wanted to take a break from your responsibilities to your family or job but worried about the consequences if you did? If you have experienced any of this then it is time for a break.
Why is it that we put so much pressure on ourselves and do not allow ourselves the time to take a break? Maybe we feel like we do not deserve it or that there is way too much to be done and there is no time for it. As a counselor and therapist who sees people struggling with stress and anxiety on a daily basis I can attest to the wonderful powers of taking a break. Benefits that you will reap from taking a break include: it can refocus your attention, increase motivation, and give you a boost of energy. Not to mention that taking a break will also remind you that there is more to life than just work.
In the sports world athletes know the importance of including rest in their training routine. Our bodies and muscles need time to repair after we exercise. Don’t forget that our brains are a type of muscle too. You need time to rest your brain in order to be at your peak performance. If you keep pushing yourself you will eventually burn out and end up stressed and useless.
Now let’s talk about how you can take a break. A break can be a week vacation, a weekend get away, a staycation, a 10 minute meditation session, and so much more. A break is something that takes your mind off of the stressors and the pressures of everyday life. As a counselor and therapist I love hearing from my clients the different ways that they take breaks. Some enjoy reading a good book, cooking, playing with their pets, watching a good movie, having lunch with a friend, exercising, or something as simple as taking a nap. What are some ways that you could take a break?
When you do decide to take a break give yourself permission to fully enjoy it and don’t feel guilty about it. The world will not end if you take a break for just a little while. Whatever you need to do will still be there. Let go, relax, and take care of you.
ABOUT ESSENCE OF HEALING COUNSELING:
Roberta Alves is a therapist and counselor at the Essence of Healing Counseling with an office located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. She is a Certified Anxiety Specialist and uses a scientific and evidence based type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety. Roberta is truly passionate about the work she does and loves serving her clients in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas. If you want to learn the proven techniques to overcome your anxiety, schedule an appointment today.
