How to Take a Break from the Hustle and Bustle of Everyday Life

For the past couple of months, I have been working nonstop. If it isn’t working on this project gathering requirements, I am writing and blogging. One thing that people forget is to relax and take a break from their life. As with anything, there is always a happy medium between two extremes. You can’t constantly work, but then, you can’t constantly relax. Taking a break is good for regrouping and focusing on the task(s) at hand. Here are some ways to relax:

1. Get a Hobby – If you like to draw, knit, play an instrument, etc., set some time to do those things. It’s a great way to forget about work and enjoy doing the things you like to do during your leisure time.

2. Exercise – Whether it’s walking, running, biking, swimming, etc., it’s always a good idea to do some type of physical activity. I can become a high strung person, so I use exercise to keep my stress levels down. The hardest thing about exercising is starting, so start today. It’s also the time when I get some great ideas floating inside my head.

3. Spa Time – Getting a massage, manicure/pedicure, or getting your hair done helps relax you. You release all tension and have the ability to not be as troubled about things when you are doing spa activities.

4. Spend Time with Loved Ones – Turn off your computer and go spend time with your loved ones. Even if it’s just for an hour coffee break, you should do it. Social interactions are great mental breaks that will help you feel at ease when you get back to the project you are working on.

5. Vacation – If all else fails, go on vacation. Even if it’s a weekend getaway, do it. It will help you mentally break from the constant on-the-go pace that you are currently stuck in.

Exercising Combats Writer’s Block

Reston Diabetes Tour de Cure 2009, originally uploaded by dreamingindc.

This morning I had the worst case of writer’s block. My daughter kept crying over any little thing; I was super tired; and I couldn’t find the keys. We were 15 minutes late leaving the house, and I was hyperventilating before I got in the car. My creative juices were blocked, and I couldn’t even write a single word. After two hours of staring at the computer screen, I headed to my spin class.

It seemed like the heat from the outside had seeped into the spinning room.  Before the instructor started the class,, I was already sweating.  Also, the instructor doesn’t like putting on the fans, so I knew I was in for a treat.  It was grueling and sometimes painful (left leg hurts a little).  Even with all that, I’m glad that I went.  The writer’s block is gone.

Writing and exercising go hand-in-hand.  It helps clear your mind of any stress that you have, so you can begin writing the next chapter of your book, a user manual, press release, etc. My preference is running or biking; however, yoga and pilates are also great ways to alleviate writer’s block. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it alleviates the blocks that prevent you from writing. If you have children, then take them out for a walk, or go to the pool and swim laps while they are in the shallow area.

The next time you are unable to write, go outside (or to the gym) and get physical.