Taking a break
Various companies have attempted to create an association between their product and taking a break. The stated or implied assumption is that most of us have stressful lives and need to schedule breaks.
I am sure that for many people the way they earn a living demands regular breaks to hydrate or to just allow the mind and the rest of the body to relax and recharge. Certainly if one is working in the heat or cold at some strenuous physical activity a rest and hydrating period is very necessary. Some jobs, while enjoyable, require very acute concentration and also require a time to relax and recharge. The job of a surgeon or any job which requires intense concentration and which is potentially dangerous for self or others if one loses concentration demands a regular break
Breaks can also allow one to step away a problem and then approach it with a fresh perspective. Often, following a break, we quickly see a solution we did not previously see.
In much of the modern world many of us are plugged in and received constant news about war, accidents, acts of nature, shootings, political arguments or a host of other unpleasant events. We can, if we choose, or by virtue of our job be plugged in via our smart phone, Ipad, radio, television, computer, print media or even Alexa. Although there may be an occasional feel good story, which does not seem to be norm.
Many families and individuals are exploring healthy ways of taking a break from work and/or the constant stream of incoming “news”. This morning I was listening to investigative interviews with passionate sports fans. Some sports fans reported that sporting events allows one to:
Other individuals use music, nature, hunting, or various hobbies to take their mind off of everyday concerns. Sometimes these ways of taking a break are paired with a break from all smart or electronic devices.
Many people learn to pair alcohol, other drugs, sex, music, reading, cooking, television, eating, pornography or other activities with taking a break. None of these may be intrinsically unhealthy although obviously some of these can easily become very addictive. I personally do not recommend alcohol, other drugs, eating, pornography, or sex as a way of taking a break. On the other hand clearing one’s mind and being present for a meal or when making love can be very enjoyable and healthy.
A potentially addictive behavior may be fed by the belief that one needs to stay numb in order to survive. Then the focus is just on surviving. Eventually the addictive behavior or substance take over one’s life and one is no longer has an ability to handle routine responsibility of earning a living, caring for family or other commitments.
Reading, cooking, going to the gym, music, museums, riding a bike, just hanging out with friends, hiking and meditation/prayer can be healthy ways to rest one’s body and mind.
Breaks are healthy. Regular avoidance of life on life’s terms is not healthy. Each of us must be intentional about deciding if we are taking a break or running away from life.
Written November 15, 2017
Various companies have attempted to create an association between their product and taking a break. The stated or implied assumption is that most of us have stressful lives and need to schedule breaks.
I am sure that for many people the way they earn a living demands regular breaks to hydrate or to just allow the mind and the rest of the body to relax and recharge. Certainly if one is working in the heat or cold at some strenuous physical activity a rest and hydrating period is very necessary. Some jobs, while enjoyable, require very acute concentration and also require a time to relax and recharge. The job of a surgeon or any job which requires intense concentration and which is potentially dangerous for self or others if one loses concentration demands a regular break
Breaks can also allow one to step away a problem and then approach it with a fresh perspective. Often, following a break, we quickly see a solution we did not previously see.
In much of the modern world many of us are plugged in and received constant news about war, accidents, acts of nature, shootings, political arguments or a host of other unpleasant events. We can, if we choose, or by virtue of our job be plugged in via our smart phone, Ipad, radio, television, computer, print media or even Alexa. Although there may be an occasional feel good story, which does not seem to be norm.
Many families and individuals are exploring healthy ways of taking a break from work and/or the constant stream of incoming “news”. This morning I was listening to investigative interviews with passionate sports fans. Some sports fans reported that sporting events allows one to:
- To block out all of one’s worries or concerns and just focus on a sporting event.
- Be very emotional and express all the pent up anger, frustration, or even excitement.
- Enjoy bonding time with children, other family members or friends.
Other individuals use music, nature, hunting, or various hobbies to take their mind off of everyday concerns. Sometimes these ways of taking a break are paired with a break from all smart or electronic devices.
Many people learn to pair alcohol, other drugs, sex, music, reading, cooking, television, eating, pornography or other activities with taking a break. None of these may be intrinsically unhealthy although obviously some of these can easily become very addictive. I personally do not recommend alcohol, other drugs, eating, pornography, or sex as a way of taking a break. On the other hand clearing one’s mind and being present for a meal or when making love can be very enjoyable and healthy.
A potentially addictive behavior may be fed by the belief that one needs to stay numb in order to survive. Then the focus is just on surviving. Eventually the addictive behavior or substance take over one’s life and one is no longer has an ability to handle routine responsibility of earning a living, caring for family or other commitments.
Reading, cooking, going to the gym, music, museums, riding a bike, just hanging out with friends, hiking and meditation/prayer can be healthy ways to rest one’s body and mind.
Breaks are healthy. Regular avoidance of life on life’s terms is not healthy. Each of us must be intentional about deciding if we are taking a break or running away from life.
Written November 15, 2017
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