13 Signs Telling You To Take A Rest From Work

Staring at the same spreadsheet for hours, feeling like your brain is a deflated whoopie cushion – yep, been there.  The truth is, sometimes you just need a break. Even the most dedicated worker can hit a wall, and that's when that familiar voice whispers, "I need a break from my brain!"  What if that inner voice is screaming for a longer escape, a chance to truly recharge your mental batteries?

Burnout is real, and ignoring its warning signs can have serious consequences for your well-being.  This isn't just about a quick coffee break or a stolen "15 minutes for me!" moment.

Let's explore some telltale signs it's time to break the routine, prioritize your well-being, and maybe even consider a longer leave to recharge your mental batteries.

Risks of not taking that ‘much needed break’

Ignoring these signs can lead to serious health implications, both mentally and physically. Chronic stress and burnout do not just affect your performance at work but also seep into your personal life, tarnishing relationships, self-esteem and causing harm to your physical health as well. Remember, sometimes you just need a break, not just for your well-being but for the well-being of those around you.

• Increased risk of mental health issues: Ignoring the need for a break can make you prone to depression, anxiety, and stress, leading to more severe mental health conditions over time.
• Physical health decline: Career and earning money are important but chronic stress without relief can lead to physical health problems like headaches, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system.
• Reduced work performance: Unable to focus? Sometimes it’s better to leave things as they are and take that much needed break. If you neglect this, it can result in decreased productivity, errors, and diminished creativity at work.
• Impaired relationships: The strain of unchecked stress and burnout can spill over into personal and professional relationships, causinga whole lot of arguments, fights, misunderstandings, and differences in social bonds.
• Lowered self-esteem: When you keep neglecting your body’s needs, you feel inadequate, low on self-esteem, impacting overall life satisfaction.
• Burnout: Without taking time to recharge, the risk of burnout increases significantly, characterized by extreme exhaustion, cynicism towards work, and a sense of ineffectiveness.
• Emotional numbness: Long-term avoidance of mental health breaks can lead to a state of emotional numbness, where individuals feel disconnected from their feelings and the world around them.
• Decision-making impairment: Stress and mental fatigue can cloud judgment and impair the ability to make sound decisions, affecting both personal and professional life.
• Loss of passion and motivation: Continuous work without adequate breaks can drain the joy and enthusiasm from activities that were once fulfilling, leading to a loss of motivation and purpose.

Recognize the signs & step back

1. Constant exhaustion: Feeling tired isn't just linked to lack of sleep, it can also be about being drained of mental energy. If you find yourself thinking, "I need a break from my brain," it's a clear sign to take a rest.
2. Lack of motivation: When your job feels more like a burden than a purpose, and focusing seems like a herculean task, it's time to break the routine.
3. Difficulty concentrating: When the brain is overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or exhaustion, its ability to focus diminishes, affecting not only your productivity but also your overall quality of life.
4. Increased irritability or mood swings: These are your body's direct appeals for downtime, signaling that the mind needs to rejuvenate through a much needed break.
5. Sleep disturbances: Whether it's trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless nights, these issues can be a direct consequence of stress, anxiety, or overwork.
6. Physical symptoms without clear cause: Frequent headaches or stomachaches are often the physical manifestations of stress as you don’t give space to yourself by taking a rest.
7. Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks: When everyday duties feel insurmountable, it's a glaring indication that you need to step back and say, "Sometimes you just need a break."
8. Withdrawing from social interactions: Isolation and a noticeable drop in your work output often mean it's time to take that off break seriously.
9. Decline in work performance: When you notice a drop in your productivity, quality of work, or even your engagement with daily tasks, it’s time to break the routine.
10. Anxiety about going to work: These signs suggest a deep-seated discomfort with your current work life, hinting, "sometimes it's better to leave" the stress behind for a while.
11. Loss of appetite or overeating: Changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or overeating are subtle signs of stress that need to be controlled with the much needed break.
12. Indifference toward work and life: Feeling disconnected and questioning your role signal a profound need for reflection and a much needed break.
13. Questioning the meaning of work: Questioning the meaning of your work stems from deep dissatisfaction, burnout, or feeling misaligned with your job's purpose and values.

Benefits of taking breaks

Taking a mental health break can uplift your mood, boost your creativity, and increase your productivity. It allows you to break the routine, offering a fresh perspective on old challenges. Think of it as pressing the reset button; a much needed break can do wonders for your mental clarity and emotional health.

• Mental clarity: Taking time off helps clear your mind to get back to work with more focus.
• Boosted productivity: Whenever you feel like, ‘I need a break from my brain’, take a break, it will give new perspectives enhancing work output upon return.
• Improved physical health: Don’t stick to your desk. Just think, ‘These 15 minutes are for me’, and you’ll feel stressed and more relaxed which in turn will improve physical health.
• Enhanced job satisfaction: Returning to work with a fresh mindset can increase engagement and appreciation for your role.
• Reset button for work-life balance: A well-timed break can help you reassess and improve your work-life balance as it helps to break the boring routine and instills gratitude.
• Fresh perspective on challenges: When you’re off work, distance from work allows you to come back with new ideas and solutions for ongoing problems, propelling growth.
• Emotional health: Sometimes you just need a break, it can significantly improve your mental and emotional well-being, making you more resilient to future stress.

Level SuperMind: Your break partner

A lot of times you might feel like you can’t focus well, not because you’re hungry or haven’t slept well but because your brain needs a break. Here’s how you can easily accommodate Level SuperMind in your break to reduce stress, get peace and clarity of thoughts and ease headache from continuous strain:

Breathwork for anxiety: This 10 minute meditation in the voice of Ranveer Allahbadia will clear the brain fog, ease tension and calm the mind for you to bounce back.

Mantra chanting: There are a variety of mantras available on the app which when chanted, helps your mind take a rest with the help of rhythmic chanting.

Mindful music: With the 2-minute breathwork library, you can bring your mind to a state of calm before starting your work, before an important meeting or when feeling anxious at work.

What should I do during a mental health break?

• Rest and relaxation: Prioritize sleep, meditation, or just quiet time to decompress.
• Engage in activities: Do things that make you happy and relaxed, whether it's a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or being in nature.
• Physical activity: Exercise can significantly improve mental health, so consider incorporating some form of physical activity into your break.
• Seek professional help: If you're struggling with specific issues, consulting a therapist or counselor can be beneficial.
• Reflect and reassess: Use this time to think about your work-life balance and consider changes that might help you manage stress better in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell your boss you’re struggling mentally?

Find some private time to talk, clearly state that you’re facing mental health challenges but don’t give the details. Have a talk regarding flexible schedules or being allotted tasks that align more with you. Be aware of your legal rights regarding mental health in the workplace. When you’re on a break, say, “Today I am on leave" as it is a statement of self-care, not of rebellion.

How long should you work before taking a break?

The Pomodoro Technique suggests working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. A common recommendation is to take a short break (5-15 minutes) every hour. For longer breaks, if you're considering days off for mental health, think about how you feel and your workload. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but listening to your body and mind is key.

How long should a mental health break be?

The duration can vary greatly depending on individual needs and specific situations. It might be as short as a day to disconnect and recharge or as long as a few weeks or months if dealing with more severe stress or burnout. Consult with a healthcare provider to better understand what you might need.

Final thoughts

Ignoring the need for a mental health break can lead to deteriorated health, strained relationships, and decreased productivity. Recognizing the signs early and taking proactive steps to address them is crucial. Remember, it's not just about taking time off; it's about coming back stronger, more focused, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead with renewed vigour and clarity.

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