TIME FOR YOURSELF

Last week I addressed Self Care. Continuing on this theme I will talk about the importance of making/taking time for yourself. During my coaching of clients I found many people who did not take breaks at work. The reasons for this were varied. Some didn't think they had time to take a break, possibly to get a task done or perhaps to avoid staying late or working overtime. There were some who worked in environments where they were expected not to leave their workstations other than for bathroom breaks, even being expected to eat lunch at their desk. They didn't dare go against the norm.

Studies have shown that breaks result in more efficient and productive employees. Breaks are mandated by law and unions ensure that provisions be made for breaks for the employees they represent. Not taking breaks in the end is counterproductive. After a break, you are more rested, able to think more clearly and creatively, and generally able to work "smarter", more efficiently and accurately.

Breaks are helpful in providing separation so tension and stress don't build up. Breaks can be used to check in with yourself, building awareness of early symptoms of stress and tension and allowing you to take early intervention to relieve these. In a future blog I will cover a couple of good techniques for doing this (body scan; body scan with focused breathing). If you can't take your full allotted time for breaks, I advocate at least taking shorter "mini" breaks.

Another related technique in taking time for yourself is a "timeout". Timeouts are helpful when you are frazzled or overwhelmed and need to take some time to yourself without being disturbed to allow you to regroup and come back with a fresh approach. Timeouts are used in sports and with children for this very reason. Adults can use this to their advantage too. If you don't take time for yourself, you may find yourself breaking down and not able to cope. You may even get sick, which forces your body to take a timeout to regroup.

So be good to yourself and make time for your own welfare and balance. YOU DESERVE A BREAK TODAY!