In this BIT: Here’s why you should take a break today – plus, the most effective advice on how to relax, ways to relax, and must-try break ideas.
While we all love a day off, relaxing can be challenging. This is especially true if we want to take a true break – AKA, not simply scroll online. Relaxing is simply good for our mental and physical health. Allowing ourselves to relax leads to increased happiness, and less stress and anxiety, better sleep and even allows our brain to function better when you are in ‘work mode”. It’s true – taking breaks does enhance our actual work and productivity. The question is, how can we relax? There is no single best way; we all may enjoy different ways to unwind. However, it is important to state that it is best to stay away from social media and looking at a screen.
During a busy week it may be difficult to find time to relax. But rather looking for large amounts of time, find small bite-sized breaks throughout your day. When studying, or needing to sit down to do a large amount of work in a given amount of time, try using the pomodoro method. This method involves working in 25 minute increments, followed by a short five minute break. During this break, avoid the phone! Although it can be an easy way to let our brain rest, scrolling on TikTok and Instagram has been proven to be stimulating rather than soothing. The instant gratification that we get from social scrolling can also tempt us into going overtime on our break. Rather, find alternative bite-sized activities: read a few pages of a book or magazine, play with a pet, get a quick snack or sit outside and listen to the sounds of nature. By breaking up the work time, it’s easier to get through large amounts of work, studying, or chores, without feeling too drained at the end.
Find time to socialize. One of our favorite break ideas is intentionally spending more time with people! Plan to eat lunch with friends daily or get together with them on the weekends and do something fun. By experiencing positive social connection we disengage from the day-to-day grind, our body releases endorphins, we feel less alone, happier, and less stressed.
Another quick way to relax is to take a minute to concentrate on your five senses. This is one of the simplest and easiest ways to relax, simply notice what you can smell, taste, touch, see, and hear. Similar to the pomodoro method, it doesn’t require hefty dedication or time. Alternatively, allow for a moment of stillness and intention. The best part? You can do it anywhere. In the car, at school, work, or home. In a world of go-go-go chaos and hustle, small relaxing breaks are essential.
Finally, one of the best ways to relax is to do exactly nothing. Yep! Take a two-minute break and do nothing at all. Look outside your window, simply observe your surroundings – people watch or simply listen to music and let your mind wander! The concept of “doing nothing” is captured in the Dutch word “niksen,” which translates to the art of “doing nothing” or “being idle” without a specific purpose. This activity is all about establishing the sense of relaxing through idleness. Overall, we often underestimate our need to take breaks and relax. Relaxing breaks can be simple, and quick but they are so beneficial to our overall happiness and wellbeing. When we focus on resetting our minds throughout the day, we allow ourselves a moment to appreciate all the good in the world.
We hope that this guide on how to relax, and break ideas, inspire you to take more relaxing breaks that are screen-free, bringing you a Small Bit of Happiness.
For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.
Featuring quick videos created for teens by teens.
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