Wellness Works: Use Your Spring Break to Rest and Recharge
Rest and Recharge
Kids may be first in line to celebrate spring break, but don’t underestimate its value to therapists and teachers. Of course we all enjoy a respite from daily demands, but the benefits are even more far reaching.
Photo by Jonas Verstuyft on Unsplash
Taking time away from the tasks and structure of a job gives your mind a chance to rest and recharge, while also providing the mental space for new thoughts and ideas.
The advantages of mental breaks are well documented: they can bolster memory and our ability to concentrate and pay attention. A task that might seem daunting at the end of a workday may be a snap after a few days of relaxation. Getting enough sleep can sharpen the mind, boost our physical energy, and help to solidify newly learned skills. Giving the mind a break can also spark new ideas and connections, sometimes leading to unexpected solutions or approaches to a problem.
Whether you’re on vacation or not, taking mental breaks is a powerful tool.
Restorative Habits
Here are some restorative habits you can develop and use any time:
Use deep breathing and meditation to relax and rest your mind.
Take a walk outdoors, preferably in a natural setting like the woods or on a beach. Many people feel calmer and uplifted after spending time in a forest (forest bathing) or taking wellness walks during which you simply notice sights and sounds in a natural setting
Prioritize a good night’s sleep by limiting use of screens near bedtime
This article in Psychology Today, Give Your Mind a Rest: Practice Not-Thinking, offers some practical tips to help you take breaks from thinking and judgement.
These tips for resting and recharging during summer vacation from our blog post, Take a Summer Break to Rest and Digest, are also useful during shorter breaks.
Photo by Tim Goedhart on Unsplash
Photo by Tim Goedhart on Unsplash
What are your favorite ways to rest and recharge your mind, whether it’s during a vacation or any other time? We’d love to hear your ideas. Please share your thoughts and tips on our Facebook or Instagram.
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Article by Elizabeth Sautter, M.A., CCC-SLP – Speech Language Pathologist & Executive Director of Communication Works
