Why I'm Learning to Take a Break

This week has been just one of those weeks.

One of those weeks when you feel like you’re doing, doing, doing all day and then at night, you feel like you didn’t get anything done.

That no matter how many things you checked off your list, the list keeps on growing. And growing.

Someone asked me the other day how things are going, and I was SO TEMPTED to say, “Good, just busy.”

Busy. The word makes me want to cringe.

Why am I so “busy?” I’m working from home yet trying to squeeze in a trip to the grocery store or drop off a book at the library feels like it’ll be the hay that breaks the camel’s back, so to speak.

I have to remind myself that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or out of control sometimes. It’s normal. It’s human. It’s not a weakness.

I have to remind myself that vulnerability is not a weakness.

On days where there are lots of things to do, and the list seems overwhelming, my tendency is to go into “focus mode” where I will spend literally hours in front of the computer, for example, without standing up, drinking water, or even looking away from the screen. I get in the “zone” and I can’t get out of it. It’s all I can focus on and even taking a five minute break feels too long sometimes.

This week has been one of those weeks where the mountain of to-dos piles higher every time I look at it. It can be a bit disheartening. I read a tweet from a friend the other day and it resonated with me and frankly, it inspired this blog post.

“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but your work will still be there in half an hour. Go take your lunch. Eat something, take a walk, get away from your desk. You’ll be more focused and productive this afternoon as a result.” — @AlexanderHuey on Twitter

Wow.

Mic drop.

Frankly, this applies to everything. I’m talking about everyday life. Some days I feel like I have it all together and I am conquering this thing called “adulting” and other times, I feel like I’m just barely keeping it together. Just keeping it real here.

So if you feel this way, you are not alone. It’s not just you. We are conquering this thing called life together. It is another reminder of how weak and in desperate need of Jesus we really are. There is nothing too big or too overwhelming that He can’t handle.

How encouraging is that! Even in our anxiety, stress, or overwhelm, Jesus is never too busy for us. He meets us where we are and ensures we’re not carrying the burden ourselves.

So pray. Take a walk. Eat your lunch. Stretch. Play with your dog. Laugh at a funny video. Read a chapter of your favorite book.

Because, friend, I don’t want to just “get by” or “survive the day.” Do you? That’s not why we’re here on Earth.

I want to fully enjoy and embrace each day as it comes. The to-do list isn’t getting any shorter, but the way I approach each day can change. I can remind myself that even on the busiest and most overwhelming of days, I’m not alone.

Truly, remembering this can make all the difference. Or, at least, it helps me not take everything so dang seriously all of the time.

So this week, I’ve been challenged and I want to challenge you, too.

Take the break.

Push yourself to step away for a few minutes and reset. The chores and the work will get done eventually. But right now, they can wait.

I’m learning to take the break, and I hope you will too.

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” - Philippians 4:6