Breaks are not a luxury, they are essential.

Let me repeat that.

Taking breaks is essential for both our productivity and overall well-being. Work breaks play a crucial role in supporting mental health by reducing stress levels, enhancing focus and concentration, fostering creativity and problem-solving, aiding in emotional regulation, and promoting a healthier work-life balance.

These breaks provide opportunities for the mind to rest and recharge, leading to increased focus, improved concentration, and enhanced productivity. Additionally, breaks offer space for divergent thinking, sparking creativity and innovative problem-solving. They also help regulate emotions, prevent mental fatigue, and create a healthier work-life balance by prioritizing self-care and personal activities.

Embracing work breaks is a necessary practice for maintaining good mental health and acknowledging the importance of overall well-being. And yet, as much as remote work offers the flexibility to take such breaks … many of us still fail to take them. We need to break this habit … especially those in positions of leadership.

Executives are especially known for not taking breaks due to the high-pressure nature of their roles, heavy workloads, perceived expectations, fear of falling behind, and the difficulty in disconnecting from work. The demanding nature of executive positions can create a mindset that views breaks as a luxury they cannot afford, leading them to prioritize work over personal well-being.

But we must set the right example.

Encouraging a culture that values and supports breaks can contribute to the overall well-being and success of not only ourselves, but our teams and organizations too.

Remember, your mental health matters, so make time for those essential breaks! When you do, you set the example for your team members to do the same.

So, today, I encourage you to take that walk, enjoy a cup of tea, or simply close your eyes and breathe … on your break.