Mindfulness in motion; harness the value of regular breaks

Did you know that a lot of people don’t take breaks – from studies or work because they believe that it is a sign of weakness and or lack of dedication? Society often glorifies busyness and constantly being on the go. There is a prevailing belief that success requires working long hours without breaks. But this is a myth.

However, taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity, mental well-being, and overall health. Regular breaks can actually enhance productivity and focus. Our brains have limited attention spans, and continuous work can lead to diminished concentration and fatigue. By taking breaks, we give our minds a chance to rest and recharge, allowing us to return to tasks with renewed energy and improved concentration.

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“There are so many things that one can do. Make travel plans with family and or friends. If one can’t travel, fret not. There are various fitness programmes like aerobics, Zoomba, and folk dances that one can join. Swimming, reading books, writing articles, and blogging are few more productive ways to chisel one’s creativity and innovation”

–Dr Roopali Sood, Associate Professor, Head, Department of Computer Science & IT, Apeejay College of Fine Arts

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According to Dr Roopali Sood, Associate Professor, Head, Department of Computer Science & IT, at Apeejay College of Fine Arts when a person takes a break, it is the time when they can follow their heart and soul.

This is the time when one can follow hobbies and passions. One can easily connect to one’s inner-self. Students love travelling, getting connected to nature, and visiting places of interest, studios, and galleries to name a few.

“There are so many things that one can do. Make travel plans with family and or friends. There are many travel groups for common interests and visits. The students get more independent, expand their social network, get opportunities to meet people of common interest which itself is enriching. If one can’t travel, fret not. There are various fitness programmes like aerobics, Zoomba, and folk dances that one can join. Swimming, reading books, writing articles, and blogging are few more productive ways to chisel one’s creativity and innovation,” Dr Sood opined and shared a few more ways by which one can make the most of the break time and be mentally healthy.

1.  Nature lovers can explore the vast wildlife that the country has to offer by visiting National Wildlife Parks and sanctuaries. One can even visit a hill station and enjoy the greenery and learn about the diverse cultures.

2. Students can enroll for various online courses offered by Swayam portal or other free online educational portals which offer many courses related to personality development and general courses other than academic courses.

3. Summer internships can help students gain industry exposure. Internshala is one of the well-established platforms which offers internships to the students.

“There is no clear demarcation between productivity and leisure. With massive resources now available, one can be productive even during their leisure time. Though the two aspects go hand in hand, efforts need to be channelised in a systematic manner for it to become productive.  Self-introspection is a must to verify the level of attainment of goals that one has laid down,” Dr Sood explained.

Importance of breaks

Mental and physical rejuvenation: Breaks provide an opportunity to relax and recharge both mentally and physically. Engaging in activities like stretching, going for a short walk, or simply closing your eyes and taking deep breaths can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

Enhanced creativity and problem-solving: Stepping away from a problem or task can actually foster creativity and innovative thinking. Taking a break allows your mind to process information in the background, enabling you to gain new perspectives, generate fresh ideas, and find solutions.

Prevention of burnout: Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout, which is characterised by exhaustion, reduced motivation, and decreased job satisfaction. By incorporating regular breaks, one can prevent burnout and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Improved decision-making: Breaks give you the opportunity to step back and gain a broader perspective. When you take the time to pause and reflect, you can make more informed decisions, evaluate different options, and consider potential consequences more effectively.

Health benefits: Prolonged sitting and sedentary behaviour can have negative impacts on physical health like increased risk of obesity. Taking breaks encourages movement, which can improve blood circulation, posture, and overall physical health.

Enhanced learning and retention: Studies have shown that regular breaks during learning or studying can improve information retention and enhance long-term memory. Taking breaks allows your brain to consolidate and process the information you’ve been exposed to, leading to better learning outcomes.