As working adults, we often neglect the breaks our bodies and brains need. With meetings, deadlines, and personal duties, it’s easy to run nonstop, only realizing at week’s end that we made no time for ourselves.
Self-care doesn’t need to be a spa day or a long vacation. Even brief breaks—brain breaks—can help. Brain breaks are short pauses to recharge and regain focus. Examples include: Taking a short walk outside for fresh air.
- Standing up and stretching between meetings.
- Practicing a few minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness.
- Stepping away from your desk to eat a nourishing meal without distractions.
Self-care can also look like creating a small routine in the morning or evening, or doing activities that promote mental wellness—such as yoga, mindful breathing, journaling, or creating a gratitude list of things you’re thankful for throughout the days and weeks. It might mean carving out a few minutes to read a book, or taking a quick stroll outside in the sunshine. It doesn’t have to be big, fancy, or expensive. Allowing for these breaks and moments of rest helps the brain and body decrease stress, which in turn supports both mental and physical wellness.